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2024-03-14 12:19:00
2024-12-16 07:15:32
Hyderabad: Allu Arjun's latest release, Pushpa 2: The Rule, has become a sensation, shattering box office records and leaving a trail of historic milestones in its wake. From record-breaking collections to an unexpected surge in numbers, the film's success story is a testament to the power of Indian cinema in 2024. Directed by Sukumar, Pushpa 2 is rapidly rewriting the history books, with its global earnings and domestic success positioning it as one of the top three highest-grossing Indian films of all time. - Pushpa 2 Box Office Collection Day 11 The numbers speak for themselves. As of its 11th day in theaters, Pushpa 2 has already crossed Rs 900 crore in net collections in India, setting a remarkable pace. On day 11, early estimates from industry trackers suggest that the film earned around Rs 75 crore net in India, with the Telugu version contributing Rs 16 crore, Hindi Rs 55 crore, and smaller contributions from Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. This rapid growth has catapulted Pushpa 2 to a worldwide gross of over Rs 1300 crore, making it the third-highest-grossing Indian film ever. The film's performance is especially impressive when we consider its rapid success in the Hindi market. With a net collection of Rs 500 crore in Hindi alone, Pushpa 2 has become the fastest film to reach this milestone, outperforming Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan, which took 18 days to hit the same mark. It now stands behind only Baahubali 2 (Rs 1417 crore) and KGF: Chapter 2 (Rs 1000 crore) in terms of domestic gross. - Worldwide Success: Surpassing RRR, KGF 2 Globally, Pushpa 2 has surpassed the lifetime collections of RRR (Rs 1230 crore) and KGF: Chapter 2 (Rs 1215 crore) to become the third-biggest Indian grosser. Currently, the film is trailing behind only Baahubali 2 (Rs 1790 crore) and Aamir Khan’s Dangal (Rs 2070 crore), which hold the top spots. With its sustained success, there’s a growing possibility that Pushpa 2 could eventually overtake Baahubali 2 in the long run, becoming the second-biggest Indian film ever. - Breaking Records, Setting New Benchmarks The film's record-breaking feats continue. Pushpa 2 marked the biggest opening weekend ever for an Indian film globally, with a staggering Rs 750 crore gross. Domestically, it achieved a phenomenal Rs 600 crore in its opening weekend alone. The action-packed drama also secured the biggest opening day at the Indian box office, raking in Rs 209 crore globally and Rs 70.30 crore net in Hindi. Here's a look at the key records shattered by Pushpa 2: - Biggest opening weekend for an Indian film worldwide (Rs 750+ crore gross) - Biggest opening weekend at the Indian box office (Rs 600+ crore gross) - Biggest opening day ever at the Indian box office (Rs 209 crore gross) - Biggest opening day at the Hindi box office (Rs 70.30 crore net) - Fastest to reach Rs 500 crore net in Hindi (in 10 days) - Highest-grossing Indian film of 2024 (Rs 1292 crore in 10 days) Surge in Collections Post-Controversy? Interestingly, Pushpa 2 saw a surge in collections following the controversy surrounding Allu Arjun's arrest in connection with a tragic incident at Sandhya Theatre during the film's premiere. Pushpa 2's box office numbers witnessed a significant uptick. On day 10, collections rose by 73.90%, followed by an 18.48% increase on Sunday, day 11. The weekend performance, although generally strong for most films, was particularly surprising given the circumstances. Allu Arjun was arrested after a stampede during a Pushpa 2 screening tragically led to a woman's death. The actor was later granted interim bail, and he expressed his deep concern for the victims of the incident, offering support to the family. He pledged to take responsibility for the medical needs of the injured, including young Sri Tej, who remains under medical care. About Pushpa 2 Pushpa 2: The Rule has clearly set a new benchmark in Indian cinema. Not only has it proven the power of Allu Arjun's stardom and Sukumar's directorial brilliance, but it has also set a new standard for pan-India films coming from regional markts. The film, a sequel to the 2021 hit Pushpa: The Rise, continues to captivate audiences with its gripping action, powerful performances, and unparalleled box office success. (Box office data source: Sacnilk, Mythri Movie Makers) Read More
https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!entertainment/pushpa-2-box-office-collection-day-11-allu-arjuns-film-beats-rrr-kgf-2-crosses-rs-1300-cr-globally-hits-rs-900-cr-in-india-enn24121601216
2024-12-16T05:46:37Z
Papua New Guineans are invited to open bank accounts with the newly licensed National Banking Corporation (NBC). NBC CEO Michael Van Dorssen announced it on Friday, December 13 2024, that the bank has received a commercial banking license from the Central Bank of Papua New Guinea. He urged potential customers to contact the bank through various channels, including: - In-person: Visit one of NBC’s 10 branches nationwide. - Phone: Call the bank’s customer service hotline. - Online: Utilize NBC’s online banking services. Van Dorssen emphasized NBC’s commitment to providing banking services to all Papua New Guineans, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. The bank offers a range of financial products, including: - Loans: Home loans, personal loans, and business loans. - Microfinance: Financial services for low-income individuals and small businesses. - Foreign Currency Exchange: Currency exchange services. With the new banking license, NBC aims to expand its branch network and offer a wider range of financial services to the people of Papua New Guinea.
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/national-banking-corporation-encourages-papua-new-guineans-to-open-accounts-nbc/
2024-12-16T05:46:37Z
"Goodbye and thank you": Kamal Haasan pays tribute to legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain Haasan posted a nostalgic picture of himself with Zakir Hussain, both seated alongside a tabla, with the caption, "Zakir Bhai! He left too soon. Yet we are grateful for the times he gave us and what he left behind in the form of his art. Goodbye and Thank you. #ZakirHussain." NEW DELHI: The music industry is in mourning following the passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain, one of the most transcendent and influential percussionists of all time. Hussain, 73, succumbed to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at his home in San Francisco, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by music lovers worldwide. His death was confirmed by Jon Bleicher of Prospect PR, representing the Hussain family. A musical genius and cultural ambassador, Zakir Hussain was celebrated not only for his virtuosity on the tabla but also for his efforts to bridge the gap between Indian classical music and global genres. His loss has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans, musicians, and celebrities alike, with social media flooded with messages of condolences. Among the many expressing their grief was Indian film legend Kamal Haasan, who shared a heartfelt tribute on his official X handle. Haasan posted a nostalgic picture of himself with Zakir Hussain, both seated alongside a tabla, with the caption, "Zakir Bhai! He left too soon. Yet we are grateful for the times he gave us and what he left behind in the form of his art. Goodbye and Thank you. #ZakirHussain." Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Zakir Hussain was introduced to music at an early age by his father, the legendary Ustad Alla Rakha, one of the most revered tabla maestros in history. Recognizing his extraordinary talent, Zakir began performing publicly as a teenager, quickly establishing himself as a prodigy in the world of Indian classical music. Zakir Hussain was a trailblazer in fusing traditional Indian music with international styles. His collaborations with the likes of Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Vilayat Khan, and Western musicians such as John McLaughlin and Mickey Hart brought Indian rhythms to a worldwide audience. Perhaps one of his most iconic collaborations was with Hart in the Grammy Award-winning album Planet Drum. Hussain also worked extensively with McLaughlin in the groundbreaking jazz fusion group Shakti, a project that pushed the boundaries of both Indian classical and jazz music. Throughout his career, Hussain garnered numerous accolades in recognition of his contributions to music. These included the prestigious Padma Shri (1988) and Padma Bhushan (2002) from the Government of India, as well as four Grammy Awards for his work in world music. He was also honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his excellence in classical music and the National Heritage Fellowship in the United States, one of the highest honours for traditional artists.
https://www.dtnext.in/entertainment/cinema/goodbye-and-thank-you-kamal-haasan-pays-tribute-to-legendary-tabla-maestro-zakir-hussain-815427
2024-12-16T05:46:38Z
A Farewell to Tabla Maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain Defence Minister Rajnath Singh mourned the passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain, expressing the profound loss to the world of classical music. Renowned for his unmatched percussion talent, Hussain, who died at 73 from pulmonary fibrosis, was celebrated for elevating Indian music globally. - Country: - India In a heartfelt tribute, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his sorrow over the passing of tabla virtuoso Ustad Zakir Hussain. Utilizing social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Singh acknowledged Hussain's monumental impact on the realm of classical music, stating that his artistry left an indelible impression on both peers and listeners worldwide. Hussain, who breathed life into the tabla with his unmatched skill and innovation, passed away at 73 in San Francisco, due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition. His demise marks an unparalleled loss in the spheres of art and music, with Defence Minister Singh extending condolences to his bereaved family and admirers. A revered figure, Hussain was celebrated not only as a masterful percussionist but as a cultural ambassador who introduced Indian classical music to international audiences. Receiving accolades like the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and multiple Grammy Awards, his legacy is etched in the annals of music history. (With inputs from agencies.)
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3195373-a-farewell-to-tabla-maestro-ustad-zakir-hussain
2024-12-16T05:46:34Z
African cassava leaf culinary delights Cassava leaves are the unsung heroes of African cuisine - they're super versatile, and you can't beat their health benefits. Packed with vitamins and minerals, these magic leaves make any meal a health booster. Plus, they taste amazing! We're sharing five delicious cassava leaf recipes to transport your taste buds to Africa. Cassava leaf stew: A West African favorite Cassava leaf stew, a West African staple (particularly in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea), is made by pounding cassava leaves into a paste. Simmered with palm oil, onions, garlic, chili peppers, and sometimes fish or shrimp for added flavor, this hearty stew is served over rice or alongside fufu for a satisfying meal. Renowned for its robust taste and nutritional benefits, this dish is truly comfort food at its finest. Cassava leaf soup: A nutritious delight Across Africa, cassava leaf soup holds a special place in many hearts (and stomachs!) as a delicious and nutritious comfort food. This creamy soup blends cassava leaves with coconut milk, peanuts or peanut butter, sweet potatoes, and spices for a rich, satisfying taste. It's a great source of protein (thanks to the peanuts) and packed with vitamins A and C from the sweet potatoes and cassava leaves. Saka saka: Central African comfort food Saka saka, originating from Central Africa, specifically Congo Brazzaville and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a unique dish where cassava leaves are cooked down to a soft, almost spinach-like texture using palm or peanut oil. It features eggplant, onions, tomatoes, and garlic, emphasizing vegetables to cater to plant-based diets. Paired with boiled yams or plantains, saka saka offers a true taste of Central African culinary tradition. Vegetarian casserole with cassava leaves This one-pot wonder is proof that you can have your health kick and eat it too! By layering blanched cassava leaves with slices of sweet potato, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes before baking everything under a cover of coconut milk sauce seasoned with curry powder, turmeric, and black pepper, you get an aromatic dish that's both visually appealing and satisfyingly nutritious. Perfect for vegetarians with a craving for African flavors. Fried cassava leaves as snack Looking for a unique snack? Try blanching cassava leaves, then mixing them into a batter with flour, water, salt, and pepper. Deep-fry until golden and voila! These crispy treats are delicious dipped in spicy tomato sauce, and make a crunchy alternative to chips or popcorn. Perfect for parties or quick snacks, they're a fun way to enjoy the versatility of cassava leaves.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/african-cassava-leaf-culinary-delights/story
2024-12-16T05:46:41Z
Home decor: Bringing back ice cream parlor elegance Imagine stepping back to a time when ice cream parlors were community treasures. This guide will show you how to blend that vintage charm with modern comforts in your space. By choosing the right colors, furniture, decorations, and textiles, you can recreate the warm, inviting atmosphere of those beloved old-time parlors. Making your home a nostalgic yet functional homage to this delightful theme. Choose pastel color palettes To achieve the authentic feel of a vintage ice cream parlor, begin by choosing a pastel color scheme. Soft pinks, mint greens, and baby blues create a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. These hues are perfect for walls or accents throughout the room. By infusing your space with these colors, you'll instantly transport your guests to those charming parlors of the past. Incorporate retro furniture Choosing vintage-style furniture is crucial for creating a genuine ice cream parlor aesthetic. Select retro bar stools, bistro tables, and tufted booths to establish a comfortable dining area. Search for items with chrome accents or in pastel finishes to match your color palette. Such furniture not only contributes to the charm but also becomes a practical aspect of your decor. Add whimsical decorations Decorations are crucial in bringing the ice cream parlor theme to life. Hang vintage signs, antique mirrors, or framed posters featuring classic ice cream ads. Showcasing old-fashioned sundae glasses or milkshake machines as both decorative and functional elements infuses authenticity and charm into your space, amplifying the overall nostalgic ambiance. Use patterned textiles Adding patterned textiles contributes to the authentic vintage ice cream parlor feel. Opt for striped awnings or tablecloths and polka-dotted cushions to emulate the playful patterns found in classic parlors. These textiles not only amplify visual interest but also contribute to comfort and coziness, transforming the space into a welcoming haven.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/bringing-back-ice-cream-parlor-elegance/story
2024-12-16T05:46:41Z
Hyderabad: The death of the legendary tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain has sent shockwaves through the global music community. Widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians India has ever produced, Hussain's passing has been deeply mourned by fellow musicians, artists, and admirers across the globe. His contributions to music were unparalleled, and his death is seen as an irreplaceable loss to Indian classical music and the global music scene. Shocked by the news of his demise, Sonu Nigam questions in disbelief: "Zakir bhai... What is this?" The comment section in the post was met with similar reactions from fans and industry mates as they struggled to wrap their heads around the sad news. AR Rahman on his X handle, penned a note for the tabla maestro, which read: "Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim 🌟🌍. His loss is immeasurable for all of us. I regret not being able to collaborate with him as much as we did decades ago, though we had planned an album together 🎶. You shall be truly missed. May his family and his countless students worldwide find the strength to bear this immense loss 🤲 🕊️" Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. — A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) December 16, 2024 Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim 🌟🌍. His loss is immeasurable for all of us. I regret not being able to collaborate with him as much as we did decades ago, though we had planned… Sarangi exponent Ustad Kamal Sabri expressed his deep sorrow, stating, "It has been a great loss for Indian classical music, for music in general. The legendary Zakir Hussain, the great tabla legend, composer, and amazing musician has passed away. He represented Indian music for a very long time, earning numerous awards worldwide for his exceptional talent. It is devastating to know that he is no longer with us. We must all pray for his peaceful journey to heaven and may Allah bless him." Anuradha Palakurthi, a renowned singer, shared her shock and sadness, recalling her personal encounters with Hussain. "I did not know him personally, but I met him a few times. My connection with him is mainly through the organisation MITHAS in Boston, where he has served on the board since its founding. He was not only an extraordinary artist but also a humble and kind person. It feels like he left us too soon, just when he was approaching his peak," Palakurthi said. For Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, a classical vocalist, Hussain was an eternal source of inspiration. "Zakir sir was and will always be a huge inspiration to us. His loss is irreplaceable. He had a great rhythmic soul, and his contributions to music will live on forever. He won many hearts with his great talent and warmth," Dagar remarked. Renowned figures from across the world also shared their tributes. Three-time Grammy Award-winning musician Ricky Kej expressed his devastation, calling Hussain "one of the greatest musicians India has ever produced." Singer Anup Jalota, also in mourning, shared a heartfelt video, saying, "I am in pain. Zakir Hussain's legacy will live on forever. He brought joy and meaning to our lives with his music." Music composer Thaman S, joining in the tributes, posted a simple but poignant message: "REST IN PEACE MAESTRO. We lost the legend today." Can’t wrap my head around the news. I’m in pain. Sending love and strength to all his admirers during this difficult time. May we find comfort in his legacy and the joy he brought to our lives. 🙏💔#zakirhussain #RIP pic.twitter.com/eF79mMDw0a — Anup Jalota (@anupjalota) December 15, 2024 Leading musicians from West Bengal, including Santoor artist Pt Tarun Bhattacharya, described Hussain as "the last Mohican" in the world of classical music. "There will not be another Zakir Hussain. He was the last of his kind, experimenting with the tabla in innovative ways, and bringing Indian classical music to the global stage," Bhattacharya stated. His impact on tabla playing was so profound that the instrument 'spoke' under his hands, Bhattacharya added. REST IN PEACE MAESTRO — thaman S (@MusicThaman) December 15, 2024 We lost the Legend Today #UstadZakirHussain Saab 🥹 pic.twitter.com/y8YenLBEP1 Tabla artist Pradyut Mukherjee, a GIMA Award winner, praised Hussain's versatility and humility, noting that despite his legendary status, he was always approachable and eager to guide young artists. "He was not officially my guru, but I learned rhythms from him and was always inspired by his willingness to help others. He was truly a humble genius," Mukherjee said. Other musicians, like Sarod player Pt Tejendra Narayan Majumdar, also mourned his passing, reflecting on Hussain's participation in numerous cultural events and festivals. "He has performed at the Swara Samrat Festival for many years, and though we knew he was not well, we never expected him to leave us so soon," Majumdar shared. The loss of Ustad Zakir Hussain, who passed away due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, is not just the loss of a legendary tabla player, but the end of an era in Indian classical music. Hussain's contributions were acknowledged by the Indian government with prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri (1988) and Padma Bhushan (2002). His legacy will live on in his recordings, his students, and the countless lives he touched through his music. Read More
https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!entertainment/sonu-nigam-shocked-ar-rahman-regrets-not-being-able-to-collaborate-as-tributes-pour-in-for-zakir-hussain-watch-enn24121600967
2024-12-16T05:46:43Z
The Solomon Islands Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has been strengthened with the swearing-in of the new Minister for Public Service Francis Sade. Minister Sade was sworn in on Saturday before the Governor-General, David Tiva Kapu, at Government House. Minister Sade’s swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by the Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Bradley Tovosia. Also witnessing the ceremony were the parliamentary wing leader of the People First Party and Minister of Aviation Frederick Kologeto, the Minister of Infrastructure and Development Manasseh Maelangathe Deputy Chairlady of Caucus, Cathy Nori, and other senior government officials. Sade’s appointment will ensure continuity and, most importantly, task him with the implementation of government policies under the 2025 budget. Prior to his ministerial appointment Sade served as the Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament. GNUT is committed to political stability because it believes that stable leadership is essential for the government to implement its transformative projects and programs. The Governor General also revoked the appointment of former Public Service Minister Honorable John Junior Tuhaika who is now an ordinary Member of Parliament…..PACNEWS/SOLOMON STAR
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/new-solomon-islands-minister-for-public-service-sworn-in/
2024-12-16T05:46:43Z
Sandhya Theatre incident: Allu Arjun expresses 'concern' over injured boy, promises to provide help He said that he has been advised not to visit victim Sri Tej, due to the "ongoing legal proceedings" but added that his prayers remain with him. He also affirmed his commitment to help with his medical needs HYDERABAD: Actor Allu Arjun, who was released on interim bail following his arrest in the Sandhya theatre incident on Saturday, expressed his concern about the health of the injured victim and wished him a speedy recovery. He said that he has been advised not to visit victim Sri Tej, due to the "ongoing legal proceedings" but added that his prayers remain with him. He also affirmed his commitment to help with his medical needs. Taking to X, he wrote, "I remain deeply concerned about young Sri Tej, who is under constant medical care after the unfortunate incident. Due to the ongoing legal proceedings, I have been advised not to visit him and his family at this time My prayers remain with them and I remain committed to taking responsibility for addressing the medical and family needs. I wish him a speedy recovery, and I look forward to meeting him and his family at the earliest" The 'Pushpa' actor was granted bail by Telangana High Court after furnishing a personal bond of Rs 50,000. His release was met with support from family members and colleagues from the film industry, many of whom gathered at his Jubilee Hills residence in Hyderabad. Allu Arjun was arrested on Friday in connection with the death of a woman during the screening of his latest film last week. He was released on Saturday morning on the orders of the Telangana High Court. On Saturday, fellow actors Rana Daggubati and Naga Chaitanya visited Allu Arjun and greeted him with warm hugs to show their support. Chiranjeevi's wife, Surekha, also visited Allu Arjun's Jubilee Hills residence to meet her nephew. Actor Vijay Deverakonda and 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' director Sukumar were spotted at the actor's residence, conversing and embracing him outdoors. After his release from jail, Allu Arjun thanked his fans for their support. The incident occurred on December 4 at Sandhya Theatre when he attended the premiere of his movie 'Pushap 2'. A woman named Revathi died and her son Sri Tej was injured. The incident leading to Allu Arjun's arrest occurred during a chaotic scene at the Sandhya theatre on December 4, where The actor attended the premiere of his movie 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' at Sandhya theatre. A massive crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of the star. The situation escalated when Allu Arjun waved to fans from the sunroof of his vehicle. Police allege that this action contributed to the chaos, resulting in the death of a woman named Revathi, while her son sustained injuries. Initially, Allu Arjun was sent to 14 days of judicial custody by a lower court in Telangana, following the tragic incident. His legal team challenged the ruling in the Telangana High Court, which granted the actor interim bail. However, Allu Arjun had to spend the night in jail before being released this morning. Meanwhile, Allu Arjun's latest release, 'Pushpa 2: The Rule', directed by Sukumar and co-starring Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil, is currently breaking box office records.
https://www.dtnext.in/entertainment/cinema/sandhya-theatre-incident-allu-arjun-expresses-concern-over-injured-boy-promises-to-provide-help-815423
2024-12-16T05:46:44Z
Chronicles of African digital poetry innovators unveiled The digital age is proving to be a renaissance for African poets, catapulting poetry from the confines of traditional print to the vibrant realm of digital platforms. This article explores the innovative work of poets harnessing technology to connect with global audiences, create immersive art, and preserve cultural narratives. Their endeavors are revolutionizing the poetry landscape and amplifying African voices on the world stage. Pioneering digital platforms for poetry African poets are at the forefront of leveraging digital platforms to publish their work. Websites and social media are vital for disseminating poems immediately to a worldwide audience. One notable platform is Badilisha Poetry X-Change in South Africa. It's the biggest online archive of African poetry, featuring thousands of poems from 30+ countries. This platform provides poets with visibility while offering readers access to diverse voices. Interactive poetry experiences African poets are turning to technology to create more immersive and interactive poetry experiences. Nigerian poet Wana Udobang collaborated with a tech company to create an AR app that brings her poems to life with visuals and sounds on smartphones. This approach not only enriches the reading experience but also attracts a younger audience accustomed to dynamic digital content. Utilizing social media for wider reach Social media platforms, particularly Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, have emerged as potent tools for poets, allowing them to foster communities and interact directly with their readers. Hashtags like #AfricanPoetry have accumulated millions of views, ensuring poems shared under them resonate with a vast global audience. Poets utilize these platforms not only for publication, but also to advertise live readings, workshops, and festivals, further expanding their influence. Archiving cultural narratives digitally Digital poetry is saving the day (and the history) for African languages and cultures! By recording poems in native languages and sharing them online, these poets are making sure that their stories won't be forgotten. Websites like Poetritis Nirvana from Zimbabwe are particularly important. They publish poems in Shona and provide English translations, preserving the beauty of linguistic diversity in poetry. Empowering voices through collaborations Digital platforms are fostering a new era of collaboration among African poets, facilitating cross-cultural projects that highlight shared experiences of identity, migration, and resilience. These initiatives frequently result in anthologies or live-streamed collective performances, extending their reach beyond physical borders. This digital amplification not only strengthens individual voices but also fosters a sense of community among African poets navigating similar struggles.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/chronicles-of-african-digital-poetry-innovators-unveiled/story
2024-12-16T05:46:47Z
Novo Holdings Acquires Catalent: A Deal to Boost Weight-Loss Drug Production Novo Holdings has completed regulatory conditions for its $16.5 billion acquisition of Catalent, aiming to increase production of Wegovy, a weight-loss drug. The deal includes selling three Catalent factories to Novo Nordisk for $11 billion, located in Italy, Belgium, and the U.S. Novo Holdings has successfully fulfilled all regulatory conditions for its $16.5 billion acquisition of U.S. contract drug maker Catalent, the companies announced. The merger is expected to finalize imminently. The acquisition is strategically designed to enhance the production of the widely-used weight-loss drug, Wegovy. As part of the deal, Novo Holdings will sell three of Catalent's factories, located in Italy, Belgium, and the United States, for $11 billion to Novo Nordisk. (With inputs from agencies.) Advertisement
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3195380-novo-holdings-acquires-catalent-a-deal-to-boost-weight-loss-drug-production
2024-12-16T05:46:46Z
New Delhi: Ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday mounted another attack on the country's interim leader Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of leading an "undemocratic group" that has no responsibility towards the people. In a statement on the eve of the 'Bijoy Dibos', Hasina called Yunus a "fascist" and alleged that the main aim of the dispensation led by him was to suppress the spirit of the Liberation War and the pro-liberation forces. Bangladesh celebrates December 16 as 'Bijoy Dibosh' or Victory Day. On December 16, 1971, then Chief of Pakistani Forces General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, along with 93,000 troops, surrendered to the joint forces of the Indian Army and 'Mukti Bahini' after the 13-day war following which East Pakistan became Bangladesh. In a statement in Bengali, Hasina, who fled to India after resigning as the prime minister in August in the face of massive anti-government protests, said that "anti-national groups" had unconstitutionally captured power. "This undemocratic group led by the fascist Yunus has no responsibility towards the people," she said. "They are taking power and obstructing all public welfare work," she added. Hasina slammed the Yunus dispensation and said the people of Bangladesh are burdened by the rise in prices. "As this government is not democratically elected, they have no accountability to the people. Their main aim is to suppress the spirit of the Liberation War and the pro-liberation forces and suppress their voice," Hasina said. "On the contrary, they are secretly supporting the anti-Independence radical communal forces. The lack of sensitivity of the leaders of this government, including the fascist Yunus, towards the Liberation War and its history is proven in every step they take," she said. The Awami League leader has been staying in India since she left Bangladesh. Relations between India and Bangladesh came under strain after the formation of an interim government which Yunus now heads. India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in that country. There has been a spate of attacks on minorities, including the Hindu community, in Bangladesh in the last few months. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Dhaka last week and conveyed to the country India's concerns, especially those related to the safety and welfare of minorities. "There is no reason why this mutually beneficial cooperation should not continue to deliver in the interest of both our peoples. And, to that end, therefore, I have underlined today India's desire to work closely with the Interim government of Bangladesh," Misri had told reporters in Dhaka. "At the same time, we also had the opportunity to discuss certain recent developments and issues, and I conveyed our concerns, including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities," he said.
https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!international/ousted-bangladesh-prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-attack-on-yunus-on-sunday-enn24121600089
2024-12-16T05:46:49Z
YOUNG Bougainvillean Alex Kurogai began his professional boxing career on a sour note when he lost to John Wayaki of Goroka in a non-title bout at Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium last Saturday. The young debutant lost the fight when referee Robert Namana stopped contest in the tenth round on doctors advise cut to his left eye. But other than the 10×2 minutes bout lasted the distance with both boxes exhibiting similar punching power and skill. According to the promoter of the bout John Opu, the fight was closely contested throughout with Kurogai having the upper hand in the second, third and the fourth rounds. Kurogai was quick to avoid Wayaki’s heavy punches in those rounds but Wayaki came on strongly in the fifth, sixth, seventh and the eight rounds. The Bougainvillean took charge in the nineth and the tenth round but a heavy right jab by Wayaki to Kurogai’s face resulted in a heavy cut and referee had to stop the contest on doctor’s advice. The bout was officially opened by the Deputy Premier of the Eastern Highlands Kassen Nahe, who also donated trophies for the two boxers. Wayaki was awarded the winner’s trophy while Kurogai received another for his courageous effort. To see this and access more stories from our 55 years old history from 1950’s – 2000’s, do visit our Post-Courier archive or email denaha@spp.com.pg or call on +675 309 1120 for more inform.
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/on-this-day-in-our-history-kurogai-begins-career-on-sour-note/
2024-12-16T05:46:50Z
Gold price remains stable, gram costs Rs 7,140 on Dec 16 in Chennai Accordingly, the price of gold sold at Rs 7,140 per gram. Over the past week, gold price has shown slight variations. CHENNAI: The price of gold in Chennai remains unchanged today, and the yellow metal is being sold at Rs 57,120 per sovereign. Accordingly, the price of gold sold at Rs 7,140 per gram. Over the past week, gold price has shown slight variations. On December 14, the price of gold was at Rs 57,120, down from Rs 57,840 on December 13. The price had previously stood at Rs 58,280 on both December 11 and 12. Silver too, saw no major fluctuations and remains stable at Rs 100 per gram. Gold price over the last five days: 15.12.2024: 1 sovereign (22 carat) - Rs 57,120 14.12.2024: 1 sovereign (22 carat) - Rs 57,120 13.12.2024: 1 sovereign (22 carat) - Rs 57,840 12.12.2024: 1 sovereign (22 carat) - Rs 58,280 11.12.2024: 1 sovereign (22 carat) - Rs 58,280 Silver price over the last five days: 15.12.2024: 1 gram—Rs 100 14.12.2024: 1 gram—Rs 100 13.12.2024: 1 gram - Rs 101 12.12.2024: 1 gram - Rs 104 11.12.2024: 1 gram - Rs 103
https://www.dtnext.in/news/business/gold-price-remains-stable-gram-costs-rs-7140-on-dec-16-in-chennai-815426
2024-12-16T05:46:50Z
Crafting flavorful spreads with African sunflower seeds Sunflower seeds are a beloved African crop, offering far more than a nutritious nibble - they're a secret weapon in the kitchen! Packed with vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy fats, these tiny treasures add a burst of nutrition to any dish. Discover five delicious ways to elevate your spreads with African sunflower seeds. These innovative recipes promise to tantalize your taste buds while infusing your meals with extra nutrients. Transforming seeds into butter Sunflower seed butter is a healthy and delicious substitute for traditional nut butters. Simply roast the seeds at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Then, blend them in a food processor along with a pinch of salt and a dash of oil until you achieve a smooth consistency. Enjoy this creamy and flavorful spread on toast or as a dip for fruits and vegetables. A twist on hummus Adding sunflower seeds to your hummus creates a unique spin on this classic spread. Just blend cooked chickpeas, roasted sunflower seeds, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil until everything is smooth. The sunflower seeds contribute a nutty taste and extra creaminess, making it an ideal partner for fresh veggies or warm pita bread. Creating savory pesto Sunflower seed pesto is a budget-friendly twist on classic pine nut pesto that doesn't skimp on flavor. Simply blend fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, roasted sunflower seeds, and a drizzle of olive oil until everything comes together. Use this pesto to toss your pasta or spread it on sandwiches for an extra burst of flavor. Sweet sunflower seed spread If you love sweet treats, making a honeyed sunflower seed spread is a great choice. Simply blend roasted sunflower seeds with honey (or maple syrup for vegans), cinnamon powder, and vanilla extract until smooth. This sweet spread is delicious on pancakes, waffles, or stirred into oatmeal for extra crunch and sweetness. Spicy sunflower seed dip If you love spicy food, you can easily make a fiery sunflower seed dip by blending soaked sunflower seeds with chili flakes, cumin powder, lime juice, and coriander leaves. The result is a flavor-packed dip that pairs perfectly with chips, nachos, and grilled vegetables. Not only is it full of taste, but it's also nutritious, making it a great choice for health-conscious spice lovers.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/crafting-flavorful-spreads-with-african-sunflower-seeds/story
2024-12-16T05:46:53Z
Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away on Monday morning in San Francisco, California, leaving behind a profound legacy of rhythm and innovation for generations to come. A quintessential musician who formed a mystical bond with his instrument, the tabla, he created magic on stage and never hesitated to bridge the gap between himself and his audience through enthralling performances. Hussain, who explored the vast possibilities of the tabla, eventually, transformed it into a universal language. In his last conversation with us during his visit to India, he said, “It was very important for me to let the tabla speak about me. The environment of freedom opened the space for ideas, and that was amazing.” He believed moving out of India was important for his journey. “I was lucky because I was away from India. My father was a purist who watched over me, but he was kind enough to allow me to collaborate with other musicians worldwide,” Hussain shared. He credited legendary santoor player Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma and flutist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia for mentoring him. “They were like cricket coaches. They taught me how to catch the ball coming from different directions. They overlooked my mistakes and helped mold me into a musician,” he had confessed. Hussain’s relationship with rhythm and an impeccable ear for 'taal' enabled him to perform on global stages. He formed historic collaborations such as Shakti with guitarist John McLaughlin and violinist L. Shankar in the UK, Planet Drum with Mickey Hart in the US—earning him a Grammy Award in 2009—and Tabla Beat Science, among others. He also collaborated with artists like George Harrison, Joe Henderson, and Van Morrison, pushing the boundaries of classical music at a time when purists dominated the scene in the early 1970s. Just this year (2024), he received three Grammy awards for Global Music Performance, Contemporary Instrumental Album, and Instrumental Composition. Born to legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha, Husain also spoke about his father’s liberal approach to training. “I consider myself very lucky to be born and raised in the house of a musician. My father, as a guru, was very tolerant,” Hussain had said. He credited his father for giving him the confidence to explore uncharted musical territories. “He never stopped me from exploring something he hadn’t explored. That gave me the confidence to step out and venture into new things without hesitation,” he said. Known for his humor and ability to improvise on stage, Hussain often brought audiences into his performances as a shared moment of joy and discovery. His work not only elevated the tabla as a solo instrument but also ensured that Indian classical music resonated with audiences worldwide. Read More:
https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!lifestyle/zakir-hussain-was-happy-for-being-away-from-india-to-promote-indian-music-enn24121601415
2024-12-16T05:46:55Z
Heart-warming story of the ‘miracle’ kidney girl “It’s all over,” 12-year-old kidney transplant girl Elsie Hesingut decided soon after arriving back in Port Moresby after a successful operation in Sydney. The little Finschhafen girl who is the eldest daughter of Mr Henu Hesingut, MP for Finschaffen, had been in hospital since July receiving a new kidney from her father after both of hers had failed. When she was put on the Qantas flight to Sydney in July, it was all pain and agony for her and she was confined to a wheelchair. But when she arrived back on Saturday, she walked by herself down the steps of the Air Niugini Airbus – and smiled. Then she kissed her father and said: “Thank you Dad for saving my life.” Elsie had been travelling between Sydney’s Prince Henry and the Prince of Wales Hospitals Since February this year for doctors to do numerous tests on her kidneys and find out whether her body would be able to accept a donated kidney from her father, “Everybody at the Prince Henry and Prince of Wales Hospitals called me the miracle girl because they couldn’t believe I would recover so quickly and accept my father’s kidney”, Elsie said. “I feel no more pain. It is great.” The Hesingut family is now K25,000 poorer, and they still have not seen Elsie hospital bill. But Mr Hesingut said: “Giving my daughter a chance to live is far more important to me than worrying about paying a bill all my life. “It is a decision I have made – and I am happy she can sit down and smile again instead of being in pain.” His wife Kem, who was with Elsie in Australia, said: “The little we have, has been used to save her life. “We are happy she is alive.” Mrs Hesingut described her husband as “a very brave man” saying she was really moved by Mr Hesingut’s decision to donate one of his kidneys to Elsie. “Everybody at the hospital were also full of praise for Henu,” she said. Mr Hesingut is asking authorities at the prince Henry and Prince of Wales Hospitals to waive Elsie bill and treat it as a special case on humanitarian grounds. “The bill will be quite substantial.” Elsie, for her part, has to return to Australia every three months for a check-up and doctors have warned her not to play aggressive games that involve physical contact. At the height of her suffering, Elsie’s weight dropped to 29 kilograms form 38kg. Now she weights 36kg, and “feels good”. To see this and access more stories from our 55 years old history from 1950’s – 2000’s, do visit our Post-Courier archive or email denaha@spp.com.pg or call on +675 309 1120 for more inform.
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/on-this-day-in-our-history-thank-you-dad-for-saving-my-life/
2024-12-16T05:46:56Z
Markets decline in early trade amid weak global trends The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex declined 215.59 points to 81,917.53 in early trade. The NSE Nifty dipped 49.45 points to 24,718.85. MUMBAI: Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Monday in line with weak global cues and caution ahead of the WPI inflation data to be announced later in the day. The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex declined 215.59 points to 81,917.53 in early trade. The NSE Nifty dipped 49.45 points to 24,718.85. From the 30-share Sensex blue-chip pack, JSW Steel, Titan, Bharti Airtel, Nestle, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Consultancy Services, NTPC and Sun Pharma were the biggest laggards. ITC, Reliance Industries, UltraTech Cement, Bajaj Finance, IndusInd Bank and Asian Paints were the gainers. In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong were trading lower while Shanghai quoted in the green. Wall Street ended mostly lower on Friday. "Stock markets in India are expected to remain cautious amid mixed global cues, as investors await the US Federal Reserve's policy rate decision later this week," Ameya Ranadive Chartered Market Technician, CFTe, Sr Technical Analyst, StoxBox, said. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 2,335.32 crore on Friday, according to exchange data. "The excessive volatility witnessed on Friday is a reflection of the sharp differences in perceptions about the near-term market trend. While FIIs turning buyers in December, so far, after the relentless selling in the previous two months is positive, investors should not assume that the FIIs will continue to buy. Strong dollar and high bond yields in the US are headwinds for capital flows," V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services, said. Global oil benchmark Brent crude dipped 0.31 per cent to USD 74.26 a barrel. The BSE benchmark Sensex jumped 843.16 points or 1.04 per cent to settle at 82,133.12 on Friday. The Nifty climbed 219.60 points or 0.89 per cent to settle at 24,768.30.
https://www.dtnext.in/news/business/markets-decline-in-early-trade-amid-weak-global-trends-815419
2024-12-16T05:46:56Z
Global Markets Wary Amid Bond Yield Surge and Policy Anticipations This piece discusses how surging bond yields are affecting equity valuations, with a focus on the tech sector. It highlights various economic indicators from China and anticipates central bank actions in major economies. Rising bond yields and political uncertainties worldwide impact financial markets and currencies. Asian stock markets started the week cautiously as surging bond yields pose challenges for equity valuations, particularly affecting the tech sector. Key events this week include central bank meetings and major economic data releases. Chinese data revealed a modest 3.0% rise in retail sales for November, missing expectations. China's blue-chip index slightly declined after already losing more than 2% on Friday. Over the weekend, a Chinese central bank official mentioned possible room for reserve requirement ratio cuts, although previous measures had limited effects on credit. Interest rates in the United States and Sweden may fall, with expectations for steadiness in Japan, the UK, and Norway. Investor focus will be on the Federal Reserve's decisions and future guidance, with markets largely expecting a rate cut. (With inputs from agencies.) ALSO READ Russia's Economic Outlook Amid Sanctions and High Interest Rates Market Trends: Tech Leads the Gains Amid Federal Reserve Speculations Stocks Surge Amid Optimism from Federal Reserve's Powell Tech Stocks Surge Amid Federal Reserve Sentiment and Upcoming Jobs Data Trump vs. Powell: Navigating the Federal Reserve Debate
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3195384-global-markets-wary-amid-bond-yield-surge-and-policy-anticipations
2024-12-16T05:46:54Z
The Hidden Truth Behind Krishna's Purpose: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4, Verse 7 4 months agoThe Paradox of God: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4, Verse 6 Explained 4 months agoThe Difference Between God and Soul: Bhagavad Gita Insight From Chapter 4, Verse 5 4 months agoDaniel Vettori bowls to India players in the nets at The Gabba 22 hours ago'Saw 50 Drones Come Off The Ocean': New Jersey Lawmaker Tells Military To Shoot Down Drones | Trump 3 hours agoRussia Preparing For Round 2 Of Bombings In Syria? Putin's Shrewd Military Move 'Shocks' Jolani 18 hours agoBengaluru Techie Atul Subhash's Father Breaks Down As Cops Nab 'Accused' Wife Nikita Singhania 21 hours agoIndia bowling coach explains why India chose to bowl first in Brisbane 19 hours agoItaly-Assad Govt's Intel Communication 'Leaked' | What Happened Before Fall Of Damascus 18 hours agoZakir Hussain Passes Away At 73, Takes Last Breath In US Hospital After Battling Heart Issues 12 hours ago
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/lifestyle/books/bhagavad-gita-4-29-unlocking-spiritual-growth-through-breath-control-and-diet-discipline/videoshow/116325440.cms
2024-12-16T05:46:59Z
Crisp delights: Cooking with fresh arugula Arugula, the peppery leafy green that's not just for salads. This versatile ingredient can transform your meals, providing a nutritional boost and a flavorful kick. From easy garnishes to sophisticated sauces, arugula's distinctive flavor will amplify your culinary creations. Discover five unexpected ways to use fresh arugula in your kitchen. Arugula pesto for pasta perfection Basil, who? If you're looking for a peppery twist on traditional pesto, try swapping in fresh arugula instead. Just pulse a cup of arugula with some garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor until it's all smooth and creamy. This bright green sauce is perfect for tossing with pasta, adding a zesty kick to your favorite Italian classics. Peppery arugula pizza topping Forget the standard spinach or basil on your pizza; try a handful of fresh arugula on top after it comes out of the oven for a game-changing flavor upgrade. The warmth from the pizza gently wilts the arugula leaves, intensifying their flavor and adding a healthy twist to your favorite slice. This is your secret to a gourmet-style pizza at home. Spicy arugula soup On those chilly days, try blending arugula into your soups for a burst of warmth, spice, and vibrant color. A handful of fresh arugula blended into a creamy potato or butternut squash soup turns it a gorgeous green and adds a hint of peppery goodness. It's a great way to balance out the sweetness of the veggies. Refreshing arugila smoothies Add a handful of arugula to your morning smoothie for a nutrient-packed start to your day. Its peppery flavor pairs well with sweet fruits like apples or pears, offering a refreshing contrast. Just a cup of packed arugula leaves is enough to amp up the nutrition and add a subtle, intriguing flavor note without overpowering your taste buds. Tangy aruguila salad dressings For a zesty kick, try blending fresh arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make bright and flavorful salad dressings. This easy blend can be drizzled over mixed greens or roasted veggies, adding a burst of freshness that perfectly balances their earthy tastes. It's a quick way to bring the peppery magic of arugula to your favorite dishes.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/crisp-delights-cooking-with-fresh-arugula/story
2024-12-16T05:46:59Z
Manchester: Manchester United registered a 2-1 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday courtesy of late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo. United were on the verge of their third consecutive defeat in the league but a win might help them get back to the winning ways. Manchester City led the game initially as Josko Gvardiol's header put them in front but errors in the dying minutes proved costly for the team. The fixture saw a turnaround in the final minutes. A mistake from Matheus Nunes led to a penalty which was converted by Fernandes in the 88th minute. Two minutes later Diallo seized on the opportunity to score a goal with a clinical finish from a tight angle. MANCHESTER. IS. RED. 🔴#MUFC || #MCIMUN — Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 15, 2024 In their last 11 matches across all competitions, City have managed to secure one victory. The team is currently placed in the fifth position in the points table. The triumph propelled the Red Devils to the 12th spot in the points table. Both sides entered the match on the back of a horrid form and that reflected in their game. United failed to register a single shot during the first half. Phil Foden took a shot at goal in the 20th minute but his half volley went wide. Gvardiol pulled off a goal in the 36th minute with a header. City's Kyle Walker and United's Rasmus Hojland were involved in a brief scuffle which resulted in yellow cards for both the players. Just with a few minutes remaining on the clock, Diallo intercepted Nunes's back pass and he was brought down by the defender who handed a penalty to United. Fernandes successfully converted the penalty and the knockout punch came in the 90th minute when Diallo scored a second goal for them to help them seal a win.
https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!sports/epl-2024-2025-manchester-united-beat-manchester-city-by-2-1-enn24121601202
2024-12-16T05:47:01Z
Delightful dishes accentuated with pecan praline Pecan praline, a classic southern US treat, is the new culinary secret weapon! Its sweet, nutty flavor and crunch can turn any dish into a gourmet delight. This article uncovers five game-changing ways to use pecan praline in your kitchen. Say goodbye to boring recipes and hello to irresistible praline-infused creations! Think beyond desserts! From breakfast to dinner, pecan praline brings a touch of indulgence to any meal. Transform your morning oatmeal Take your morning oatmeal to the next level by adding a sprinkle of crushed pecan pralines on top. Just a tablespoon or two of this sweet and nutty topping can transform a plain bowl of oats into a luxurious breakfast experience. The caramelized sugar and pecans provide a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy oats, making it a simple but indulgent way to start your day. Elevate your salad game Add chopped pecan pralines to your salads for a surprising crunch and sweetness. Whether you're having a simple mixed green salad or a heartier tofu salad, adding pecan pralines introduces a pleasant contrast in textures. It balances out the savoriness and freshness of the dish. This little secret can turn even the most ordinary salad into a gourmet experience. A decadent addition to baked goods Crushed pecan pralines don't have to be relegated to a topping role; they can be incorporated directly into your baked goods for a delicious surprise. Try folding crushed pecan pralines into your favorite muffin or cake batter before baking. As they bake, the pralines will soften and infuse the surrounding batter with their rich, caramel flavor, while still retaining a bit of crunch for textural contrast. Upgrade your ice cream Elevate a tub of homemade or store-bought vanilla ice cream by stirring in chunks of pecan praline. As you fold in the pieces, they'll become evenly dispersed throughout the ice cream, providing delicious morsels of caramelized sweetness and nuttiness in every scoop. This simple enhancement transforms basic ice cream into a gourmet-style dessert with minimal effort. Create unforgettable pancakes Take your pancake batter to the next level by adding finely chopped pecan pralines for a breakfast treat that tastes like dessert. The caramelized sugar and nuts will caramelize further on the griddle, resulting in pancakes that are crispy on the outside yet fluffy on the inside with bursts of sweet flavor throughout. Top these pancakes with maple syrup for an indulgent start to your day that's hard to beat.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/delightful-dishes-accentuated-with-pecan-praline/story
2024-12-16T05:47:01Z
TWO petitions filed against the election of Wapenamanda MP and Finance Minister Miki Kaeok in the National Court of Disputed Returns have been dismissed. Justice Paul Tusais on Friday said he found the petitions to have been incompetent for being filed late. These were the petitions by former MP Rimbink Pato and and another candidate in the 2022 National General elections, Danny Katie. They each filed the petitions against Mr Kaeok and the Electoral Commission alleging errors and omission by the Electoral Commission resulting in Mr Kaeok’s win. But after an objection was raised by Mr Kaeok through lawyer Dr Ben Lomai, the petitions were found to have been file 3 and 4 days late respectively . Justice Tusias said they uploaded their “unsealed” copies of their petitions onto the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) on the September 8, 2022, days before the 40th day according to the Election Petition rules. But, the deputy registrar Baka Bina and election petitions staff at the National Court registry Kini Mamis endorsed and sealed the copies on September 12 and 13 and uploaded them back onto the IECMS. Justuce Tusais ruled that the unsealed copy uploaded did not count as “filing “under the EP rules. He said the endorsed, sealed and reuploaded version is the version that was filed and therefor was incompetent. Justice Tusais’s decision now joins divided group of charges who have the same view of the word “filing”, another group of charges say a loading petitions of IECM even unsealed, is sufficient.
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/petitions-against-wapenamanda-mp-dismissed/
2024-12-16T05:47:02Z
Bill on simultaneous polls likely to be introduced in LS on Dec 17; to be referred to joint panel After its introduction, Meghwal will request Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to refer the Bill to a Joint Committee of Parliament for wider consultations. NEW DELHI: A constitutional amendment bill for holding Lok Sabha and assembly elections simultaneously is likely to be introduced in Parliament on Tuesday and could be referred to a joint committee of the two Houses. A top government functionary said the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, popularly being referred to as the Bill on "one nation, one election", was expected to be introduced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. After its introduction, Meghwal will request Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to refer the Bill to a Joint Committee of Parliament for wider consultations. The joint panel will be constituted on a pro-rata basis, based on the strength of MPs of various parties. As the largest party, the BJP will get chairmanship of the committee, besides several members, the functionary said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was a member of the high-level committee led by former president Ram Nath Kovind that recommended holding Lok Sabha, state assembly and local body elections simultaneously in a phased manner, is likely to be present in the Lower House at the time of Bill's introduction, the functionary said. The Union Cabinet last week decided to hold simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies but opted to leave "as of now" how local body polls are held. Meghwal may tell the Lower House that since the Bill will need wider consultations with lawmakers and the public, it should be sent to a joint committee. The speaker will seek the names of members for the proposed panel from the parties on the same day. If the parties do not inform the speaker about the members they wish to send on the panel, according to rules, they may lose membership. The speaker will announce the committee's composition by the evening on the day the Bill is introduced, the functionary said. Initially, the tenure of the proposed committee will be for 90 days but it may be extended later. The Union Cabinet has approved two bills to hold the parliamentary and assembly polls concurrently. Kovind had said during the consultation process on "one nation, one election" that 32 parties supported the idea while 15 did not. Simultaneous polls were held in the country between 1951 and 1967. The concept of simultaneous elections has featured in many reports and studies since 1983, essentially implying a return to the previous practice of conducting polls concurrently.
https://www.dtnext.in/news/national/bill-on-simultaneous-polls-likely-to-be-introduced-in-ls-on-dec-17-to-be-referred-to-joint-panel-815428
2024-12-16T05:47:03Z
How Dattatreya Accepted Parashuram as His Disciple – Sadhguru Reveals 1 day agoGarbh Sanskaar: Sister Shivani Reveals The Link Between A Mother’s Actions & Her Child 2 days agoCan Water Remember? Sadhguru’s Story About Its Sensitivity Will Amaze You 2 days agoDaniel Vettori bowls to India players in the nets at The Gabba 22 hours ago'Saw 50 Drones Come Off The Ocean': New Jersey Lawmaker Tells Military To Shoot Down Drones | Trump 3 hours agoRussia Preparing For Round 2 Of Bombings In Syria? Putin's Shrewd Military Move 'Shocks' Jolani 18 hours agoBengaluru Techie Atul Subhash's Father Breaks Down As Cops Nab 'Accused' Wife Nikita Singhania 21 hours agoIndia bowling coach explains why India chose to bowl first in Brisbane 19 hours agoItaly-Assad Govt's Intel Communication 'Leaked' | What Happened Before Fall Of Damascus 18 hours agoZakir Hussain Passes Away At 73, Takes Last Breath In US Hospital After Battling Heart Issues 12 hours ago
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/lifestyle/devotional/how-dattatreya-accepted-parashuram-as-his-disciple-sadhguru-reveals/videoshow/116325390.cms
2024-12-16T05:47:05Z
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lays wreath at National War Memorial on Vijay Diwas Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday laid a wreath at the National War Memorial on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. - Country: - India Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday laid a wreath at the National War Memorial on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year across the country on December 16 to commemorate the victory of the Indian armed forces in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. The Defence Minister paid homage to the soldiers on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. In a post on X, the Union Minister outlined that the country will never forget the sacrifice and service of the Indian armed forces and saluted the 'bravery' and 'sacrifice' of the forces for their unwavering courage and patriotism. "Today, on the special occasion of Vijay Diwas, the nation salutes the bravery and sacrifice of India's armed forces. Their unwavering courage and patriotism ensured that our country remained safe. India will never forget their sacrifice and service," the post read. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to soldiers who contributed to India's victory in the 1971 war against Pakistan on Vijay Diwas. In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi stated that the selfless dedication and unwavering resolve of soldiers safeguarded our nation and brought glory to India in the war. "Today, on Vijay Diwas, we honour the courage and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who contributed to India's historic victory in 1971. Their selfless dedication and unwavering resolve safeguarded our nation and brought glory to us. This day is a tribute to their extraordinary valour and their unshakeable spirit. Their sacrifices will forever inspire generations and remain deeply embedded in our nation's history," PM Modi's post stated. Meanwhile, on the occasion, officers of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, along with officers of the Bangladesh Army, laid a wreath at Vijay Smarak, Fort William, Army HQ Eastern Command in West Bengal's Kolkata. (ANI) (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ALSO READ Navy Day 2024: Celebrating the Heroics and Sacrifices of Operation Trident Heroic Mayor of Dniprorudne: A Tragic Tale of Courage and Sacrifice J-K: Army pays tribute to Rifleman Jaswinder Singh who sacrificed his life in line of duty Today every expert, every investor in the world is very excited about India, says PM Narendra Modi at Rising Rajasthan Investment Summit. Clash Over Tradition: The Fierce Debate on Animal Sacrifice at Gadhimai Festival
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3195387--defence-minister-rajnath-singh-lays-wreath-at-national-war-memorial-on-vijay-diwas
2024-12-16T05:47:03Z
New Delhi: A Delhi court is likely to deliver on January 8 next year its verdict in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case against former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, who was scheduled to pass the order on Monday, deferred the pronouncement. "January 8 is the next date," the judge said. Kumar, who is currently lodged in Tihar central jail, appeared before the court through video conference. The case pertains to the alleged killings of two persons in the Saraswati Vihar area during the anti-Sikh riots. The court had reserved the judgment after hearing the final arguments in the case related to the killings of Jaswant Singh and his son Tarundeep Singh on November 1, 1984. Though the Punjabi Bagh police station registered the case initially, a special investigation team subsequently took over the investigation. On December 16, 2021, the court framed charges against Kumar, finding a "prima facie" case against him. According to the prosecution, a huge mob, armed with deadly weapons, resorted to large-scale looting, arson and destruction of properties of Sikhs to avenge the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The mob attacked the house of the complainant, Jaswant's wife, killing her husband and son apart from looting articles and setting their house ablaze, alleged the prosecution. Putting Kumar on trial, the court order found sufficient material to form a "prima facie opinion that he was not only a participant, but had also led the mob".
https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!state/1984-anti-sikh-riots-verdict-in-murder-case-against-sajjan-kumar-on-january-8-enn24121601369
2024-12-16T05:47:07Z
wrestling / News Trevor Lee Reflects On WWE Exit and Potential Return Trevor Lee recently opened up about his exit from WWE and a potential return down the line. The former Cameron Grimes spoke with SHAK Wrestling for a new interview and you can see some highlights below, per Wrestling Inc: On his WWE release: “My whole dream was to make it to the WWE. I never dreamed about what happened after the WWE. And then when I woke up to that news of, ‘Okay, everything that I have worked for has left and now I didn’t have a goal.’ I didn’t have a backup plan, it was very scary.” on the possibility of a WWE return down the line: “Life is long. I may make it back [to WWE]. ‘Cause you’d be lying to say they’re not the top of the top, right? But right now, MLW has shown the trust in me to give me this title match [against Mistico]. That really means a lot to me, to show to me that they trust in me. And I hope that I can make them happy.” More Trending Stories - Kevin Owens Gives Cody Rhodes A Piledriver After WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, Has Altercation With Triple H - Jesse Ventura Explains His Past Issues With Vince McMahon, McMahon Wanting Control - The Undertaker Shares The Worst Part About Wrestling Training - Rikishi Says Jacob Fatu Asked Gangrel For Permission to Use His Finisher
https://411mania.com/wrestling/trevor-lee-on-wwe-exit-potential-return/
2024-12-16T05:47:07Z
Discovering Mali's Dogon Country festivals Mali's Dogon Country, located in the heart of West Africa, is world-renowned for its colorful festivals and deep cultural heritage, drawing visitors from around the globe. This region offers a rare glimpse into the past, with ancient traditions and rituals passed down through generations. These festivals aren't just celebrations; they reveal the profound connection the Dogon people have with their environment. Mask dances of the Dogon In Dogon Country, the traditional mask dance is a highlight, serving as a key component of ceremonies commemorating community events like funerals and initiations. Carved from wood and elaborately decorated, these masks represent figures from Dogon mythology. Witnessing these performances provides a profound glimpse into the spiritual beliefs and social structures of the Dogon people, revealing a cornerstone of their cultural identity. The Sirius mystery celebration The Dogon are famous for their astronomical knowledge, particularly their awareness of Sirius, the brightest star in our sky. They celebrate this through the Sigui festival, which occurs only once every 60 years. This event highlights their timekeeping and cosmology, uniting generations through sacred rituals and stories. It provides a rare opportunity to witness the living transmission of ancient wisdom. The Dama festival: A rite of passage The Dama festival marks a significant rite of passage for young men transitioning into adulthood. This multi-day event is characterized by intricate mask dances, singing, and feasting. It serves as both a celebration and a solemn tribute to deceased ancestors. For travelers interested in exploring the social dynamics of indigenous societies, the Dama provides a profound glimpse into communal relationships and individual responsibilities. Agricultural ceremonies: Honoring earth's bounty Agriculture is the lifeblood of the Dogon, bookended by ceremonies for the planting and harvest seasons. Both events are rich in rituals, all geared toward invoking the blessings of plentiful crops. Singing, dancing, and offerings are made to thank the spirits for fertility and abundance. Experiencing these ceremonies underscores the deep connection between humans and nature that is woven into the fabric of Dogon culture. Tips for respectful participation While experiencing Dogon Country during festivals, it's crucial to exercise respect and sensitivity toward local traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photographs or videos of ceremonies or dances. Dress modestly, adhering to community standards, especially at religious or spiritual events. By hiring local guides, you not only enrich your visit but also contribute to the sustainability of these unique cultural practices.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/discovering-malis-dogon-country-festivals/story
2024-12-16T05:47:07Z
CHILDREN and adults listed for neurosurgery operations at the Port Moresby General Hospital come next March, will benefit from a remarkable A$1 million (K2.58m) donation from John Singleton, an Australian businessman and philanthropist. Mr Singleton, recently pledged a $1 million (K2.58m) donation to help further the important work being done by PNG Angels; an entirely volunteer-run organisation, that does not receive any government funding and they rely on the generosity of individuals and organisations who share their vision. When responding to this incredible generosity by Mr Singleton, neurosurgeon and founder of PNG Angels Dr Marc Coughlan told the Post-Courier via email last week: “This incredibly generous gift from my good friend, John Singleton, is a game-changer for our charity. “Part of this donation will be used to fund essential supplies and specialised equipment for use during our surgical missions to Port Moresby General Hospital, and by the local teams long after we have left.” Dr Coughlan, renowned Sydney neurosurgeon who is saving lives in PNG, said it will also ‘shore up’ the continuance of our surgical missions for years to come, where we collaborate with our local colleagues and together perform complex neurosurgical procedures whilst delivering high-impact clinical training. “We’re seeing some improvements in patient outcomes since our first mission in 2019 but we still have a long way to go to help make our vision of a self-sufficient PNG a reality,” he said. According to PNG Angels director Yvette Mobbs, PNG Angels will be returning to the country in March next year. “This will be our eighth surgical mission, and we will be bringing a team of 12 including surgeons, anaesthetists, and nurses. “The team from Australia will collaborate with the local neurosurgical team at PMGH, and together we will perform neurosurgery on children and adults,” she said. She said these missions provide a tremendous opportunity for training and education, and their focus is on empowering local teams to continue these specialised surgeries into the future. Since its inception, PNG Angels has completed seven surgical missions to PNG, performed 61 surgeries and delivered 774 hours of high-impact clinical training. “This would not have been possible without our partnership with PMGH, and we appreciate the support of the chief executive officer Dr Paki Molumi and his team helping to organise these missions,” she said.
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/philanthropist-offers-hope-to-png-patients/
2024-12-16T05:47:08Z
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays tribute to soldiers on Vijay Diwas In a post on X, the Union Minister outlined that the country will never forget the sacrifice and service of the Indian armed forces and saluted the 'bravery' and 'sacrifice' of the forces for their unwavering courage and patriotism NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid homage to the soldiers on the occasion of Vijay Diwas. In a post on X, the Union Minister outlined that the country will never forget the sacrifice and service of the Indian armed forces and saluted the 'bravery' and 'sacrifice' of the forces for their unwavering courage and patriotism. "Today, on the special occasion of Vijay Diwas, the nation salutes the bravery and sacrifice of India's armed forces. Their unwavering courage and patriotism ensured that our country remained safe. India will never forget their sacrifice and service," the post read. Vijay Diwas for the 1971 Liberation War is celebrated nationwide on December 16 to commemorate India's victory against Pakistan in the 13-day war, which ended with Pakistan signing the instrument of surrender in Dhaka and the subsequent liberation of Bangladesh (erstwhile East Pakistan). The Indian Air Force, in a post on X, highlighted its role in the India-Pakistan war that concluded on December 16. "The Indo-Pak War of 1971 concluded on 16 December 1971 with the unconditional surrender by Lt Gen AAK Niazi, marking the birth of an independent Bangladesh. This historic moment was achieved through a coordinated military effort, wherein the Indian Air Force (IAF) played a pivotal role in ensuring quick and decisive results in the 13-day conflict, aptly termed a "Lightning War," the IAF's post read. The IAF during the 13-day war conducted 'intense' and lethal air campaigns, ensuring control over the Western sector and Eastern theatre. "The IAF executed an intense and lethal air campaign, undertaking over 2400 offensive missions in the Western sector and more than 2000 sorties in the Eastern theatre. These operations ensured control of the air in both sectors, crippling the adversary's ability to counterattack effectively. The strategic strikes in the East, combined with close air support for ground forces, accelerated the collapse of Pakistani defences, facilitating the swift liberation of Bangladesh," it mentioned further. Recalling the events during the war, the post said, "The IAF's dominance in the skies was so impactful that, when questioned about his surrender despite having a largely intact army, Gen. Niazi pointed to the IAF insignia on an officer's uniform and remarked, "Because of this--you, the Indian Air Force." IAF further termed the 1971 War a landmark in Indian military history, showcasing the IAF's precision, strength, and capability to shape outcomes on the battlefield. Highlighting its role, the IAF, in the post said, "Its role in achieving this unparalleled victory remains a testament to the importance of air superiority in modern warfare." India and Bangladesh jointly commemorate the 53rd anniversary of Vijay Diwas of the 1971 India-Pakistan war today, with the annual exchange of war veterans and serving officers. Eight Indian war veterans and two serving officers of the Indian Armed Forces have arrived in Dhaka to commemorate Bangladesh's Victory Day celebrations. Eight distinguished Muktijoddhas (freedom fighters) and two serving officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces also reached India to participate in the Vijay Diwas celebrations in Kolkata today, the Indian Army said on Sunday.
https://www.dtnext.in/news/national/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-pays-tribute-to-soldiers-on-vijay-diwas-815422
2024-12-16T05:47:09Z
Daniel Vettori bowls to India players in the nets at The Gabba 17 hours agoSteve Smith: 'I had a great seat in the house to watch Travis Head bat' 12 hours agoIndia bowling coach explains why India chose to bowl first in Brisbane 14 hours agoMatthew Hayden's daughter Grace: Loves dal and roti, is a big fan of Rishabh Pant 1 day agoShubman Gill: 'We will treat it as a three-match Test series' 2 days agoDesert Vipers' Tom Moody praises UAE cricketers ahead of ILT20 2025 1 day agoJacques Kallis answers what makes SA20 special 2 days agoSharjah Warriorz's Tom Kohler Cadmore shares aspirations and hopes for ILT20 season 2 days ago
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/sports/cricket/daniel-vettori-bowls-to-india-players-in-the-nets-at-the-gabba/videoshow/116334612.cms
2024-12-16T05:47:11Z
Daniel Vettori bowls to India players in the nets at The Gabba 21 hours agoIndia bowling coach explains why India chose to bowl first in Brisbane 18 hours agoMatthew Hayden's daughter Grace: Loves dal and roti, is a big fan of Rishabh Pant 1 day agoSteve Smith: 'I had a great seat in the house to watch Travis Head bat' 16 hours agoShubman Gill: 'We will treat it as a three-match Test series' 2 days agoDesert Vipers' Tom Moody praises UAE cricketers ahead of ILT20 2025 1 day agoJacques Kallis answers what makes SA20 special 2 days ago
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/sports/cricket/india-bowling-coach-explains-why-india-chose-to-bowl-first-in-brisbane/videoshow/116337077.cms
2024-12-16T05:47:13Z
Bengaluru: Sharing the story of a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law who dug a borewell and made a living using the money received through the 'Gruha Lakshmi' scheme, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Sunday expressed happiness as the scheme was successfully fulfilled its objective. Gruha Lakshmi is one of the five guarantee schemes implemented by Siddaramaiah's government after coming to power. It provides Rs 2,000 per month to women heads of families. "I was happy to hear the words of the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law who dug a borewell and made a living using the money received through our government's Gruha Lakshmi scheme," Siddaramaiah posted on 'X'. Mother-in-law Mabubee and daughter-in-law Roshan Begum of Maldar Lane in the Gajendragad town of Gadag district, have saved the money they receive every month from the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, and dug a borewell on their agricultural land, thereby obtaining abundant water, he said. "The fact that this scheme, which aims to empower the state's poor families financially and make them self-reliant, is successfully fulfilling its objective. It has made me feel satisfied as the person who implemented the scheme," the chief minister said. This is a rebuke to those who criticised the scheme, stating that it will cause fights between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law and break up families, he further said, adding that, "there are thousands of such success stories that have not come to light, and there is no doubt that Gruha Lakshmi has brought happiness to the lives of mothers in the state." Highlighting that Pranati Prakash is the first gender minority person to receive funds from the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, the CM in another post said, the government decided to extend the scheme, which was only meant for women, to gender minorities to empower them, as they are deprived of opportunities and facilities, and to bring them into the mainstream of society, so that they can lead a dignified life like everyone else.
https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!state/gruha-lakshmi-scheme-rs-2000-per-month-to-women-heads-of-families-karnataka-chief-minister-siddaramaiah-enn24121504724
2024-12-16T05:47:13Z
Dive into whimsical 'Alice in Wonderland' decor Building a home that feels like walking into the pages of Alice in Wonderland is all about celebrating the extraordinary and embracing the fantastical. This decor style encourages playfulness and creativity, transforming everyday spaces into magical dreamscapes. Whether you're a dedicated Alice enthusiast or simply adore whimsical aesthetics, there are endless ways to infuse this theme into your home's design. Incorporate bold, playful colors Alice in Wonderland decor is all about bold colors and contrasts. Think vibrant blues, rich reds, and lush greens. You don't have to repaint your whole house, though. Focus on accent pieces like cushions, wall art, or a statement furniture piece in a daring hue. These pops of color will add that touch of magic without overwhelming your space. Embrace quirky furniture and accessories Opt for furniture and accessories with a whimsical twist, as if they've been plucked straight from the Mad Hatter's tea party. Look for pieces with unexpected shapes, sizes, or patterns—think chairs with oversized features or clocks that shatter the rules of time. Vintage stores and flea markets are your secret weapons. The weirder, the better - that's the mantra in Wonderland! Create your own rabbit hole entrance The rabbit hole is a key part of Alice's journey—why not make your own magical entrance to wonderland? This could be as simple as transforming a hallway with whimsical wallpaper inspired by the story (think playing cards, roses, teapots) or as elaborate as creating a secret passage into your living room or garden. Lighting is key here; think soft fairy lights for that dreamy rabbit hole vibe. Add whimsical wall art and murals Wall art is your secret key to Wonderland. Search for beautiful Alice in Wonderland prints or posters. For a truly transformative touch, consider a custom mural depicting the magical world—a garden scene or an abstract of Alice's journey. This can turn a plain wall into a portal of imagination, fostering spaces that are whimsically beautiful and deeply meaningful.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/dive-into-whimsical-wonderland-decor/story
2024-12-16T05:47:13Z
Kurla BEST bus accident: Man succumbs to injuries, toll rises to 8 One of the injured persons, identified as Fazlu Rehman, died during treatment at the Sion Hospital on Monday morning, the official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. MUMBAI: A 55-year-old man, who was among the several persons injured in the BEST bus accident in Kurla area here, died on Monday morning, taking the death toll to eight, a civic official said. The electric bus, hired by the civic-run Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking on wet-lease basis, ploughed into a crowd and fatally knocked down seven persons and injured 42 others on a crowded road in Kurla area on December 9. Several vehicles were also damaged in the incident. One of the injured persons, identified as Fazlu Rehman, died during treatment at the Sion Hospital on Monday morning, the official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. BEST has set up a five-member committee to investigate the Kurla accident. Driver Sanjay More (54) is in police custody for alleged reckless driving. In a statement issued last week, BEST said a committee, headed by Chief Manager (Transport) Ramesh Madavi, will investigate the accident. It also said that BEST would provide Rs 2 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives and bear treatment expenses of the injured. BEST administration has claimed that More received three days' training before he was allowed to drive the electric bus. RTO officials suspect human error and lack of proper training for driving automatic transmission buses could be the reason behind the accident, among the most horrific involving BEST buses in recent history.
https://www.dtnext.in/news/national/kurla-best-bus-accident-man-succumbs-to-injuries-toll-rises-to-8-815425
2024-12-16T05:47:15Z
Papua New Guinea will receive a further US$259 million from the International Monetary Fund over the next two years. The funding arrangement falls under the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility to durably reduce debt vulnerabilities while freeing up fiscal space for development, climate adaptation, and building buffers. PNG is the first Pacific Island country and only the second country from the Asia-Pacific region to gain access to the RSF. IMF Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair Bo Li said the IMF has also authorised immediate access to approximately US$125 million through the existing Economic and Financial Council (ECF)/Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangements, as the country continues to make progress in economic reforms, reducing the fiscal deficit, and alleviating foreign exchange shortages. “The PNG authorities have continued implementing the reform agenda under their Fund-supported program, with the reforms starting to bear fruit. “Staying the course on their homegrown reforms will help them achieve more resilient, inclusive, and greener economic growth. “The authorities have been successfully reducing the fiscal deficit, with additional efforts expected in 2025,” Mr Li said. He said further fiscal adjustment should rely on the implementation of the Medium-Term Revenue Strategy, including the modernisation of key tax legislation, to improve domestic revenue mobilisation; enhancements in the management of public expenditure and government cash to make spending more efficient; and seeking more concessional and longer-term borrowing. He maintained that securing fiscal space for social spending to protect the most vulnerable is also essential. “Foreign exchange shortages –– a longstanding impediment to private sector development – have eased in recent months, following Central Bank reforms aimed at greater exchange rate flexibility, a more competitive foreign exchange market, and more active liquidity management. He said that consistent with its sequenced roadmap of reforms, the Bank of PNG should continue working toward restoring kina convertibility and modernising monetary policy operations, while keeping inflation in check through appropriate monetary tightening. He called for prompt appointment of members to the newly created Monetary Policy Committee. He said this is essential to ensure continuity in policymaking. “The operationalisation of the Independent Commission Against Corruption should continue. “Allocating appropriate budget resources, swiftly appointing its oversight committee, and setting up frameworks for interagency exchange of information are key to allow the ICAC to effectively carry out its missions. He stressed other important governance reforms including strengthening the AML/CFT framework and enhancing transparency and accountability in state-owned enterprises and public entities. “Given the country’s high vulnerability to climate change, managing its impact is critical to the success of the authorities’ poverty reduction and sustainable growth agenda. “Reforms under the new RSF arrangement will help the authorities build resilience against climate-related risks and meet their international climate commitments. “The ECF/EFF and RSF arrangements will continue to support the authorities’ homegrown reform agenda, helping address balance of payment needs and rebuild buffers, while avoiding disruptive adjustment and catalysing support from other international partners. “Timely technical assistance and advice from the IMF and other development partners will continue to accompany reform implementation.”
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/png-to-get-us259m-from-imf/
2024-12-16T05:47:15Z
Daniel Vettori bowls to India players in the nets at The Gabba 19 hours agoSteve Smith: 'I had a great seat in the house to watch Travis Head bat' 13 hours agoIndia bowling coach explains why India chose to bowl first in Brisbane 16 hours agoMatthew Hayden's daughter Grace: Loves dal and roti, is a big fan of Rishabh Pant 1 day agoShubman Gill: 'We will treat it as a three-match Test series' 2 days agoDesert Vipers' Tom Moody praises UAE cricketers ahead of ILT20 2025 1 day agoJacques Kallis answers what makes SA20 special 2 days agoSharjah Warriorz's Tom Kohler Cadmore shares aspirations and hopes for ILT20 season 2 days ago
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/sports/cricket/steve-smith-i-had-a-great-seat-in-the-house-to-watch-travis-head-bat/videoshow/116339373.cms
2024-12-16T05:47:19Z
Mumbai: A 55-year-old man, who was among the several persons injured in the BEST bus accident in Kurla area here, died on Monday morning, taking the death toll to eight, a civic official said. The electric bus, hired by the civic-run Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking on a wet-lease basis, ploughed into a crowd and fatally knocked down seven persons and injured 42 others on a crowded road in the Kurla area on December 9. Several vehicles were also damaged in the incident. One of the injured persons, identified as Fazlu Rehman, died during treatment at the Sion Hospital on Monday morning, an official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. BEST has set up a five-member committee to investigate the Kurla accident. Driver Sanjay More (54) is in police custody for alleged reckless driving. In a statement issued last week, BEST said a committee, headed by Chief Manager (Transport) Ramesh Madavi, will investigate the accident. It also said that BEST would provide Rs 2 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives and bear the treatment expenses of the injured. BEST administration has claimed that More received three days' training before he was allowed to drive the electric bus. RTO officials suspect human error and lack of proper training for driving automatic transmission buses could be the reason behind the accident, among the most horrific involving BEST buses in recent history.
https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!state/kurla-best-bus-accident-on-december-9-update-death-toll-rises-to-8-enn24121601392
2024-12-16T05:47:19Z
Controversial Historical Documents Dispute: Kadri's Plea to Rahul Gandhi Rizwan Kadri, of the PMML Society, has reached out to Rahul Gandhi over the alleged removal of key historical documents by Sonia Gandhi. The documents, believed to be part of the Nehru collection, remain recalled under contentious circumstances. BJP MP Sambit Patra has also expressed curiosity over the matter. - Country: - India In a developing controversy, Rizwan Kadri, a member of the Prime Minister's Museum and Library Society, has urged Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to help retrieve crucial documents reportedly withdrawn from the museum on orders from Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. Kadri initially addressed the matter with Sonia Gandhi in September 2024, seeking the return or permission to access 51 significant cartoons, considered vital to the Nehru collections at the museum. These documents include important correspondences between India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and prominent figures such as Lady Mountbatten and Jayaprakash Narayan. Despite his efforts, Kadri has received no response from Sonia Gandhi. In light of this, Kadri has sought Rahul Gandhi's assistance, emphasizing that these documents are integral to India's national heritage. Meanwhile, BJP MP Sambit Patra has expressed intrigue over Nehru's correspondences with Edwina Mountbatten, questioning what content might be deemed contentious enough to warrant withdrawal. (With inputs from agencies.)
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3195390-controversial-historical-documents-dispute-kadris-plea-to-rahul-gandhi
2024-12-16T05:47:13Z
Diverse delights with black bean brownies Black bean brownies are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional brownies, providing a nutritious boost without sacrificing flavor. This article presents five unique ways to enjoy black bean brownies, transforming them into a versatile treat for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a simple twist or a more adventurous pairing, these ideas will help you discover the full potential of black bean brownies. Classic brownie with a twist Making your favorite brownie recipes healthier is as easy as replacing flour with black beans. Just puree one can of black beans and use it instead of flour for any brownie recipe you love. This substitution not only boosts nutrition with added protein and fiber but also ensures your brownies stay moist and fudgy. It's a simple first step for anyone wanting to healthify their treats. Add some heat If you're a fan of sweet and spicy, try throwing in a dash of chili powder or cayenne pepper into the black bean brownie batter for a seriously sensational flavor experience. Start with a quarter teaspoon of spice and work your way up to taste. The heat from the spices pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate, creating a surprisingly delicious and unique twist on the classic chocolate treat. Coffee-infused delight Adding coffee to your black bean brownies recipe enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a rich complexity. Simply mix two tablespoons of instant coffee granules into the batter. This not only amplifies the taste but also delights coffee lovers, making it a perfect option for those craving a sophisticated twist in their desserts. Nutty crunch factor Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to your black bean brownie mix creates a delightful crunch that complements its naturally soft texture. Just a half cup of chopped nuts added to the batter before baking is enough to create the perfect balance between softness and crunch. Not only do nuts add texture, but they also provide extra nutrients, making your treat even healthier. Swirls of flavor For peanut butter swirls, simply drop spoonfuls onto the batter and swirl it in with a knife. For cream cheese swirls, blend four ounces of cream cheese and one tablespoon sugar. Use the same swirling technique. These options add creamy elements and contrasting tastes, making the chocolate base even more enjoyable.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/diverse-delights-with-black-bean-brownies/story
2024-12-16T05:47:20Z
Last Mohican in world of classical music: Musicians condole death of Zakir Hussain The 73-year-old US-based musician, who has taken the tabla to the global stage, died in a hospital in San Francisco, US, his family said on Monday. KOLKATA: Leading musicians of West Bengal on Monday mourned the death of Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, describing him as a humble artist despite being the last of the Mohicans in the world of classical music. The 73-year-old US-based musician, who has taken the tabla to the global stage, died in a hospital in San Francisco, US, his family said on Monday. Hussain died from complications arising out of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the family said in a statement. Santoor artist Pt Tarun Bhattacharya said, "There will not be another Zakir Hussain. He was the last Mohican in the world of classical music or one of the last Mohicans." Hussain experimented with Tabla bol (rhythm) in different classical ragas and style, Bhattacharya said, adding that Tablas used to speak under his hand. Bhattacharya recalled that he would touch the feet of elders on stage before any performance. He was the one who had brought Indian tabla before the world and made Indian classical instrumental music on par with the Beatles, the Santoor player said. Gima award winner and jury member for Grammy, Tabla artist Pradyut Mukherjee, described Hussain as a versatile player who was a great performer on stage. "I consider him as a mentor though he was not officially my guru. I had learnt rhythms and beats from him and he was always very humble and polite never showing any high highhandedness to newcomers," he said. Mukherjee said Hussain was always eager to help a budding talent if he could spot any spark in his repertoire. "Zakir ji used to visit the shop of a Tabla maker in South Kolkata and would use their instrument for his performance here and abroad," Mukherjee said. Sarod player Pt Tejendra Narayan Majumdar said Hussain had been performing at the Swara Samrat Festival, which is being held here, for nine years. "Zakir Bhai was expected to regale the audiences with his tabla wizardry yesterday also, the third of four-day festival. We all knew he was not keeping well. But he has gone too soon. The emptiness and the sense of loss is yet to sink in," he said.
https://www.dtnext.in/news/national/last-mohican-in-world-of-classical-music-musicians-condole-death-of-zakir-hussain-815420
2024-12-16T05:47:21Z
A new Joint Implementation Unit (JIU) between the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and Papua Ne Guinea’s port authority, PNG Ports Corporation was opened by Minister for State Enterprises William Duma MP. Co-located with the PNG-Australia Partnership’s Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP), the JIU will leverage bilateral aid delivery expertise to support the implementation of maritime investments across key national ports including Kimbe, Oro Bay, Daru, the Lae Tidal Basin, and Kavieng, to improve connectivity and supply chain efficiency, enabling economic and social development for rural communities in PNG. Australia’s investment in PNG’s port infrastructure upgrades through the JIU between PNG Ports and AIFFP is an estimated PGK966 million. Minister Duma expressed confidence that the JIU would set an example for other investments in Papua New Guinea. “I want the rest of the country to see this as a model and use this as a template when using funds from our friends in other countries,” Minister Duma said. Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, John Feakes said the JIU represents a major advancement in improving the quality and efficiency of AIFFP-funded port infrastructure projects. “We are judged on our ability to deliver and I’m looking forward to the Kimbe Port Marine works contract being approved by NEC this year and for construction commencing in early 2025. I hope that through the JIU and through similar approaches in PNG we can start to deliver transformational infrastructure across ports but also through energy and telecommunications,” High Commissioner Feakes said. First Assistant Secretary DFAT and Head of AIFFP, Jonathan Kenna said AIFFP’s infrastructure investments use a mix of both grant financing and debt financing that work best in close partnerships with a joint commitment to quality. “This approach is reflective of the broader partnership approach that Australia and PNG take across a wide spectrum of engagement that is timely, cost effective, climate resilient and that has to encourage the participation of local communities and deliver to their needs”. “We have a partnership that is strong enough to evolve and adapt as we encounter the complexities of these projects and the combination of contributions that come together in this JIU will set us up for success,” Mr Kenna said. By integrating the expertise of PNG Ports, TSSP, and the AIFFP PMO, the JIU will significantly enhance the program’s procurement and contract management capacity, ensuring the successful delivery of maritime investments through to 2027. This collaboration will better support program delivery, resource allocation, and leadership, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring superior project outcomes.
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/propelling-png-australia-partnership-through-ports/
2024-12-16T05:47:21Z
Elevating arm endurance with African cloth washing techniques In many regions of Africa, the traditional practice of hand washing clothes is not only a part of daily life but also a powerful strength-building exercise, especially for the arms. This article details how adapting African cloth washing techniques can provide a novel way to improve arm endurance. These techniques, born out of necessity and ingrained in culture, hold the secrets to building strength through everyday tasks. Embrace the basics of hand washing Hand washing clothes is a surprisingly effective workout, targeting multiple muscle groups in your arms. You soak the clothes in water, apply soap, then use your hands to scrub, squeeze and twist the fabric. This activity can stretch on for hours (depending on the load), transforming it into an endurance exercise. The continuous motion tones your muscles and builds stamina over time. Utilize natural water sources In most African communities, getting water isn't as simple as turning on a faucet. People have to walk to rivers or communal wells. Lugging water back to their homes or washing areas is another workout that builds serious arm strength. Fetching water means hoisting heavy jerrycans, which can weigh over 20 kilograms when filled to the brim. This doesn't just pack on muscle - it also boosts your cardiovascular health. Implement traditional scrubbing techniques The traditional methods of washing clothes are quite the workout for your forearms and biceps. Whether you're using a brush or just your hands, scrubbing clothes against a washboard or rocks takes a lot of strength and endurance. And, with time, you'll see your arms getting more muscular and high on stamina. Integrate stretching into your routine Adding a quick stretching routine before and after your hand-washing sessions can improve flexibility and decrease the risk of injury. Stretching warms up the muscles you'll use during washing, including your shoulders, biceps, triceps, forearms, and even your back muscles. Even basic stretches like arm circles or reaching your arms above your head can make a big difference in your range of motion and flexibility over time. Explore rhythmic washing patterns Following rhythmic patterns while scrubbing or wringing out clothes transforms this chore into a fun exercise session that resembles workout routines in gyms worldwide. By maintaining a steady rhythm for repetitive motions in hand washing clothes—like twisting for wringing out water—you engage your core along with your arms. This not only builds endurance but also enhances overall body coordination.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/elevating-arm-endurance-with-african-cloth-washing-techniques/story
2024-12-16T05:47:22Z
Bengaluru Techie Atul Subhash's Father Breaks Down As Cops Nab 'Accused' Wife Nikita Singhania 18 hours agoRahul Gandhi Stuns BJP; Quotes Savarkar In LS Speech, Slams RSS & Modi Govt 1 day agoUCC Coming? PM Modi's Big Pitch For 'Secular Code' During Constitutional Debate | Watch 1 day agoHuge Uproar In Parliament; PM Modi Attacks Nehru, Indira, Rajiv, Rahul | 'Disrespected Constitution' 1 day agoOwaisi Challenges Govt On Hindu Persecution In Bangladesh; Jaishankar Responds In Lok Sabha 2 days agoViolence, death, hunger: What I saw on my illegal journey to the US | I Witness 2 days ago
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/toi-original/bengaluru-techie-atul-subhashs-father-breaks-down-as-cops-nab-accused-wife-nikita-singhania/videoshow/116335337.cms
2024-12-16T05:47:25Z
Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has strongly condemned the killing of two migrant labourers from Bihar in Kakching district and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of the two deceased. He said every possible effort is underway to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible for killing the two migrant labourers. Singh in a post on X said, "I strongly condemn the brutal killing of young brothers, Sunalal Kumar (18) and Dasharat Kumar (17), from Bihar in Kakching district, Manipur. This act of terrorism is a direct assault on our values, and my deepest condolences go out to their grieving families." "In this crucial juncture, we cannot ignore the possibility that this horrific crime is part of a larger conspiracy to destabilise our state and push it further towards chaos. We must stand together against these destructive forces and ensure that they do not succeed in creating fear and insecurity," Singh added. The Manipur CM also announced Rs 10 lakh ex gratia for the bereaved family and said the case would be transferred to NIA if needed. I strongly condemn the brutal killing of young brothers, Sunalal Kumar (18) and Dasharat Kumar (17), from Bihar in Kakching district, Manipur. This act of terrorism is a direct assault on our values, and my deepest condolences go out to their grieving families. — N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) December 15, 2024 In this crucial… "An ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh will be provided to each bereaved family, and every possible effort is underway to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible. If required, the case will be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to ensure a fair and thorough inquiry," Singh said. Two migrant workers from Bihar were shot dead from point-blank range in Manipur's Kakching district on Saturday evening. The incident happened near the panchayat office in Keirak on Kakching-Wabagai Road around 5.20 pm. Those behind the incident are yet to be identified, police said. The deceased hailed from Bihar's Gopalganj district and were construction workers who lived in a rented accommodation in Kakching.
https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!state/manipur-cm-n-biren-singh-condemns-killing-of-bihar-migrant-labourers-announces-ex-gratia-of-rs-10-lakh-enn24121601143
2024-12-16T05:47:25Z
Isreal DMW Turns to Prayers for New Wife, Rejects VeryDarkMan’s Offer in Viral Video - Isreal DMW has expressed his desire to give love a second chance barely a year after his first marriage to Sheila Courage crashed - Davido's aide in a post that has since gone viral, listed the quality he wanted in a lady who would become his new wife - Isreal DMW's post also stirred a reaction from social media critic Verydarkman, who Facetimed him to make him an offer Davido's logistics manager and aide, Israel Afeare, aka Israel DMW, has expressed his desire to marry for a second time, barely a year after he parted ways with his first wife, Sheila Courage, whom he married in 2022. On Sunday, December 15, Israel DMW took to his Instagram story to share his heartfelt prayer while revealing that he wants a good wife who can cook. "I pray for a good wife, who can cook very well Amen," he wrote in the viral post. See a screenshot of Isreal DMW's Instastory post below: VeryDarkman makes funny offer to Isreal DMW After seeing Israel's post online, social media critic Martins Otse, aka Verydarkman, decided to contact Israel DMW via FaceTime. VDM shared a video of his chat with Israel while proposing Davido's aide. In a funny clip, the critic disclosed he would like to introduce Chef Dammy, who went viral after attempting to break Hilda Baci's record, to be his second wife. Isreal, however, rejected VDM's offer as they burst into laughter. Watch video of VDM's chat with Isreal DMW below: Reactions as Isreal DMW rejects VDM's offer Legit.ng captured some of the reactions, read them below: oluwabukolayeye: "VDM CAN NOT MAKE HEAVEN." certified_khaleed18: "Baba say hope say Lagos boys never finish her,,she be food." iamscott_1: "You sure say them never finish her." hairbysonofgrace: "See bachelor Dey find wife for x married mam." oyindamolaa: "If na you talk am sha no problem see highest level of trust." Isreal DMW's ex shares regret Legit.ng also recalls reporting that Sheila shared her story months after parting ways with Isreal. Sheila stated that she did not regret any decision she made since falling out with her estranged husband. However, she revealed she was greatly affected by the scandal, especially after her friend and her innocent mother were dragged into the drama. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ng
https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1630833-isreal-dmw-turns-prayers-wife-rejects-verydarkmans-offer-viral-video/
2024-12-16T05:47:25Z
Man United secures stunning late 2-1 comeback win against Man City “It was a very tough match but we believe until the end. We managed to score. We needed that win. It was important for us and for our fans,” Amorim said. MANCHESTER: Amad Diallo struck a 90th-minute winner as Manchester United staged a stunning late comeback to beat Manchester City 2-1 in the Premier League. Four-time defending champion City led the Manchester derby 1-0 going into the 88th minute at the Etihad Stadium. But the game was turned round in dramatic fashion as Bruno Fernandes leveled from the penalty spot and Diallo sealed victory for United — prompting head coach Ruben Amorim to declare “something magic happened.” “It was a very tough match but we believe until the end. We managed to score. We needed that win. It was important for us and for our fans,” Amorim said. City fans jeered at the final whistle as their once dominant team's woeful run of form extended to one win and eight losses in 11 games. “I'm the boss, I'm the manager and I'm not good enough. It's as simple as that,” Guardiola said. It was a first derby victory for new United head coach Ruben Amorim, who led Sporting Lisbon to a 4-1 win against City in one of his last games in charge of the Portuguese club in November. But for a long time it looked like being a third-straight league loss for United after Josko Gvardiol's headed goal in the 36th. Fernandes was guilty of missing the target when through on goal in the second half and United struggled to create chances against a City team that rarely looked like adding to its lead. But in a dramatic end to the match, Diallo raced after an underhit backpass from Matheus Nunes. Nunes then brought down the United forward in the box and referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the penalty spot. Fernandes made no mistake this time — sending Ederson the wrong way. Moments later, Diallo ran onto a long pass from Lisandro Martinez, flicked the ball high and past Ederson before rolling it into the net from a tight angle. “We have a lot to do but it was massive for our fans,” Amorim said. United is 13th and five points behind fifth-place City, which has seen its title defense unravel during its losing run. “This is a big club and in a big club when you lose eight in 10 (11) something wrong is happening,” Guardiola said. CHELSEA CHALLENGE Chelsea, in second, closed the gap on Liverpool to two points after a 2-1 win against Brentford. It's now seven straight wins in all competitions for Enzo Maresca's team, which is unbeaten in 10. It's last league defeat was in October — a 2-1 loss to Liverpool. Marc Cucurella scored in the 43rd and Nicolas Jackson made it 2-0 in the 80th for his ninth goal of the season. Bryan Mbeumo scored for Brentford in the 90th and Cucurella was sent off for a second yellow card in added time. Chelsea is four points ahead of third-place Arsenal. MARTIN FIRED Southampton fired manager Russell Martin after being routed 5-0 by Tottenham. Last-place Southampton is nine points from safety and appears to be heading straight back to the second tier after earning promotion to the top flight last season. The decision came on the same day as another relegation-threatened team, Wolverhampton, fired head coach Gary O'Neil. Wolverhampton is second to last in 19th. Spurs scored all five goals against Southampton before halftime at St Mary's Stadium, with James Maddison getting two. Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and Pape Sarr also scored. Tottenham moved up to 10th and is five points off the Champions League places. SARR DOUBLE Ismaila Sarr scored twice as Crystal Palace beat Brighton 3-1 in the Premier League on Sunday. The forward also provided an assist for Trevoh Chalobah in the win at the Amex Stadium, which lifted Palace four points clear of the relegation zone. Brighton is ninth and without a win in four matches. Palace went ahead in the 27th minute through Chalobah, and Sarr doubled the lead for the visitors in the 33rd. Sarr scored his second in the 82nd before Marc Guehi's own-goal pulled one back for Brighton. It was Guehi's second own-goal in his last four games.
https://www.dtnext.in/news/sports/man-united-secures-stunning-late-2-1-comeback-win-against-man-city-815421
2024-12-16T05:47:27Z
KENNETH Ralewa was outstanding as the last line of defence during the grand final match against Waikiki SC, saving a number of goal attempts by the orange outfit. The 19-year-old said he is not new to the code having played 11-aside since 2021, when their association president Joel Keimelo affiliated with the NCD Football Association Competition in town. “I have only started playing beach soccer last year and made it to the grand-final playing for Arigo SC but we lost 6-8 against Blessings SC. And went on to play for University FC and play in the backs.” Despite getting suspended from playing in the NCDFA competition, that didn’t hinder Ralewa’s performance as he polished up on his goal defending skills and put that into use throughout the 2024 season with Kekei. “I was suspended for the year in playing in the competition in town and was allowed to play in the Island competition so I diverted my focus into being a goal-keeper.” Ralewa who made a return to the grand-final scene, after coming off eight conceded goals in last year’s inaugural grand final with Arigo SC, he polished off but with a different team and featured in his side’s win. “Everyone knows how to play the game and be a goal-keeper, but my teammates trusted me in the goal keeper position. I play, I try my best to play in the grand final and win.” Ralewa who is also a diver in the village looks forward to representing the country one day in the code.
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/ralewa-outstanding-in-win-over-waikiki/
2024-12-16T05:47:27Z
Elevating bakes with sweet rice flour magic Sweet rice flour, aka glutinous rice flour, holds a special place in Asian kitchens, and it's gaining worldwide recognition for its unique properties. Contrary to regular wheat flour, it becomes sticky when cooked, making it a dream ingredient for both sweet and savory masterpieces. This article explores five inventive ways to incorporate sweet rice flour into your baking routine for a game-changing boost in textures and flavors. Gluten-free baking made easy Sweet rice flour is a game-changer for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It means you can finally have gluten-free breads, cakes, and cookies that don't taste like cardboard! Its super-fine texture and awesome binding power let you swap it in one-for-one for wheat flour. That means you can whip up your favorite treats without the gluten - and without any hassle! Creating mochi-inspired desserts The secret ingredient behind the chewy goodness of mochi (the well-known Japanese treat) is sweet rice flour. Adventurous bakers can try their hand at mochi-style treats like cupcakes or brownies. The trick is to add sweet rice flour to the batter. By substituting around 20% of the total flour with sweet rice flour, you can achieve that distinctively chewy edge that will make your baked goods a hit! Silky-smooth puddings and pies The super-fine texture of sweet rice flour makes it a secret weapon for thickening puddings and pie fillings. Say goodbye to the grittiness you get with cornstarch or other thickeners. Sweet rice flour blends effortlessly into liquids, delivering silky-smooth desserts every time. Remember, a little goes a long way. Just two tablespoons per cup of liquid will do the trick, providing the perfect thickness without changing the flavor. Enhancing crusts and coatings Sweet rice flour is the secret to crunchy pie crusts and toppings. Substituting 25% of all-purpose flour in crusts results in a flakier texture, easier handling, and a beautiful golden finish. In toppings, it adds a crispy layer that contrasts perfectly with soft fruit fillings, elevating both flavor and presentation. Healthier thickening agent Sweet rice flour is a healthier way to thicken those sauces and gravies. It's a little calorie genius, packing the same thickening punch as regular flour while keeping the calorie count way down. Plus, it won't mess with the taste of your delicious sauces. One tablespoon per cup of liquid is all it takes, so not only is it healthier, it's also a bit of a bargain.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/elevating-bakes-with-sweet-rice-flour-magic/story
2024-12-16T05:47:28Z
Go Soo will uncover a hidden drug network in the latest episode of 'Parole Examiner Lee'! It depicts the life of the Parole Officer Lee Han Shin (played by Go Soo), a former attorney whose final parole decisions may either save or send somebody to prison for their sins. He believes that whoever cheats the system for being paroled with money and influence or some sly strategy must not be given paroled. In previous episodes, it has been portrayed that Lee Han Shin's move to become a parole officer was due to the imprisonment of his previous superior who was wrongly detained. It is Cheon Soo Beom who was mistakenly imprisoned while attempting to deny Ji Myeong Seop parole. After successfully blocking Ji Dong Man (Song Young Chang)’s first attempt at parole, Lee Han Shin is now focused on proving Cheon Soo Beom’s innocence and clearing his name. He's going to start investigating a drug distribution network taking place within the prison confines in the next episode of Lee Han Shin. However, it's a scenario that looks all too close to what brought Cheon Soo Beom's downfall. New stills from the series have been released, which feature Lee Han Shin facing prison warden Bae Han Sung, played by Ryu Tae Ho. Bae Han Sung's reaction to what he sees in the box is shocking, and the serious expression on Lee Han Shin's face indicates that a big truth is about to be revealed. The scene is also witnessed by Lee Han Shin's former colleague, Park Jin Chul, who is played by Lee Do Yeop. What is inside the mysterious box that left Bae Han Sung so shaken? Could this new drug case be connected to the one that framed Cheon Soo Beom years ago?
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/korean/go-soo-takes-on-a-prison-drug-operation-in-parole-examiner-lee/articleshow/116337167.cms
2024-12-16T05:47:31Z
Meerut: A BJP leader's son was found dead in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh on Sunday with police probing whether it was an accident or murder. Aman Tomar from Uttar Pradesh was found in a drain near his flat at Gangadham Colony in Ganga Nagar, on Sunday afternoon. His father Yashpal Singh is a member of the BJP's district committee in Meerut. Aman, who had been missing since Saturday night, was last seen sitting in his car after returning from a wedding with his family. According to police, the deceased had attended the wedding ceremony with his wife and children. After dropping his father off at Rakshapuram, he returned to his flat, leaving his wife and children at the entrance. While the family went inside, Aman stayed in his car. "When he did not come home that night, we grew worried and started searching for him," a family member said. Multiple calls to Aman's mobile went unanswered, and by morning, the device was switched off. The search ended when Aman's body was found in a nearby drain on Sunday afternoon. "His body was found just a few steps away from the flat. The car keys and mobile phone were still in his pocket, but the phone was damaged by water," said a police official. Superintendent of Police (Rural) Rakesh Kumar confirmed the discovery and stated, "We are examining the CCTV footage from the area and questioning family members. At this stage, we are investigating both angles, whether it was an accident or a murder." Police are also exploring any potential conflicts Aman might have had. "It is being determined if there was any enmity with anyone," SP Kumar added. He said that appropriate action would be taken based on the findings of the post-mortem report. Read More
https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!state/meerut-bjp-leader-yashpal-singhs-son-found-dead-in-drain-police-investigate-foul-play-enn24121600804
2024-12-16T05:47:31Z
Rezoning Program Aims to Tackle Housing Shortages but Faces Feasibility Concerns The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve new land use regulations designed to advance the goals of the city’s 2021-2029 housing element, aiming to address housing shortages and affordability. The package, known as the Los Angeles Housing Element Rezoning Program, includes four key ordinances: - State Density Bonus and Incentive Programs: Updates to the state density bonus program and a Mixed-Income Incentive Program aim to boost housing production, including “missing middle” housing types, along with new affordable housing incentives focused on high-resource areas. - Opportunity Site Development: Implements state housing laws on opportunity sites identified in the housing element, requiring replacement housing, by-right development for projects with 20 percent affordable units, and minimum density standards. - Expanded Tenant Protections: Introduces longer affordability terms—up to 99 years—and adds housing replacement requirements and occupancy protections for renters. - Commercial-to-Residential Conversions: Creates a streamlined approval process for converting commercial buildings older than 15 years into housing, with a discretionary review for buildings aged 5 to 15 years. The council’s vote directs the City Attorney to draft the final ordinances, which must be put into place by mid-February 2025 to adhere to state housing mandate requirements. Missing the deadline could trigger penalties, including the potential activation of the “Builder’s Remedy,” which would allow developers to bypass certain zoning restrictions. A proposal by Councilmember Nithya Raman and housing advocates to extend incentives to single-family zones was rejected in a 10-5 vote. LA Controller Kenneth Meijia urged that the City Council should include single-family zones and said, “Single-family zoning is a roadblock to inclusivity. Its history is steeped in racial and class segregation. It has exacerbated inequality in education, transportation, parks, public safety, job access, generational wealth, and healthy environments. Single-family zoning around Metro stations has limited who gets to ride. And it has contributed to climate change by preventing dense housing near transit and jobs.” A report from UCLA researchers has found that without including single-family areas, comprising over 70 percent of the city’s residential-zoned land—the new regulations would generate just 30 percent of the 250,000 homes planned under the housing element. Reports from the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters and consultants AECOM and RCLCO also raise concerns about the feasibility of the ordinances. Many opportunity corridor sites remain constrained due to costs, existing buildings, and other challenges, with only 7.2 percent considered viable for redevelopment. AECOM’s study highlights potential inefficiencies in the mixed-income incentive program. Developers may favor building extremely low-income units, which require fewer units to achieve incentives, over low- or very low-income housing. While this approach maximizes market-rate units, it risks leaving gaps in housing for those with moderate income levels. In a related vote, the council approved a spending plan for Measure ULA, the so-called “mansion tax,” which applies to property sales over $5 million. To date, the tax has generated $480 million, with $158 million allocated for fiscal year 2024-2025. The bulk of the funds will support affordable housing construction, renovation, and preservation. The approved housing regulations and tax spending plan represent the city’s latest efforts to address a worsening housing crisis, though challenges remain in achieving ambitious production goals.
https://westsidetoday.com/2024/12/15/la-city-council-approves-new-housing-regulations-excluding-single-family-zones/
2024-12-16T05:47:30Z
Who is Rowoon's wife? The truth about his girlfriends and rumoured relationships Rowoon is a prominent South Korean actor, singer, and dancer. He first rose to stardom in 2021 after portraying Jung Ji Woon in the TV series The King's Affection. Due to his celebrity status, the actor has lived most of his life in the spotlight. However, he has managed to maintain some intrigue as far as his romantic relationships are concerned. So, who is Rowoon's wife? TABLE OF CONTENTS Rowoon made his professional acting debut in 2016 in the TV mini-series Click Your Heart. He was also a member of the South Korean boy band SF9 between 2016 and 2023. Besides his thriving career, an aspect of his life that has bothered many is his love life. Therefore, many want to know who Rowoon's wife is and the ladies he has been with in the past. Profile summary Who is Rowoon? Rowoon was born Kim Seok Woo on 7 August 1996 in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea, to unknown parents. His dad used to work in the real estate industry, while his mother is a board game instructor. She also used to run Hagwon, a South Korean private institution that offers after-school education to children and teenagers. The Gangnam-gu native grew up alongside one older sister. Kim attended Kyunggi High School and then Kyung Hee Cyber University. He debuted his acting career in 2016 when he starred in the TV mini-series Click Your Heart. Since then, Rowoon has appeared in several other TV series. He gained fame for his roles in The King's Affection (2021), Tomorrow (2022), and Destined with You (2023). His other big screen projects include A Time Called You and The Matchmakers. Who is Rowoon's wife? The South Korean actor is unmarried and presumably single, as he has not disclosed details of his love life. However, according to an Instagram video shared in October 2023, The King's Affection actor opened up about his first love. In the video, Rowoon never revealed the identity of his ex-girlfriend and why they broke up. However, he stated how he treated the lucky girl while she was sick. He said: When I heard she was sick, I brewed some tea and brought it to her. I lived near Samseong Station, while she lived in Bundang. I'd take intercity bus to bring her homemade porridge. He added: Anyone would do that for the person they love. Rowoon's relationship history Rowoon has only been in a few rumoured high-profile relationships involving two notable figures in the entertainment industry. Below is a look at his love life. Sonia Monroy (2024) Is Rowoon in a relationship with Sonia Monroy? The popular actor is currently alleged to be dating Spanish actress Sonia Monroy. However, neither the Click Your Heart actor nor Monroy have responded to this dating rumour. The dating speculations between Kim and Sonia emerged in October 2024 after the two were reportedly seen dancing and kissing each other at a nightclub in Milan during Fashion Week. However, this claim has not been substantiated yet. Meanwhile, Monroy recently filed for a divorce from her husband of seven years, actor Juan Diego López. Kim Hye Yoon (2019) Kim Hye Yoon is a South Korean actress known for her roles in SKY Castle and The Girl on a Bulldozer. In 2019, the actress and Rowoon sparked dating rumours following their on-screen chemistry when they played each other's love interests in the South Korean television series Extraordinary You. However, there is no proof that the pair dated in real life. FAQs - Who is Rowoon? He is an actor, singer, and dancer known for starring in The King's Affection and Tomorrow. - What is Rowoon's real name? His real name is Kim Seok Woo. - How old is Rowoon? The singer is 28 years old as of 2024, having been born on 7 August 1996. - Where is Rowoon from? Rowoon hails from Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea. - Is Rowoon married? The South Korean actor is unmarried and has never been married before. - Who is Rowoon's girlfriend? The South Korean actor is seemingly single as of 2024. - Who has Rowoon dated? The Tomorrow star has never been in any confirmed romantic relationship. However, he has been linked to two women, Sonia Monroy and Kim Hye Yoon. - How tall is Rowoon? The South Korean singer is approximately 6 feet 3 inches (191 centimetres) tall. As Rowoon is not married, there is no information about Rowoon's wife. Many presume that the South Korean actor is married because of his close association with some ladies in the entertainment scene. The actor has been romantically with two women, Sonia Monroy and Kim Hye Yoon. Legit.ng recently published an article about Amanda Bynes' net worth. Amanda is a fashion designer and former actress from the United States. She rose to fame after starring in the series All That. Amanda Bynes is the daughter of Rick Bynes and Lynn Organ. She started acting in the early 1990s when she appeared in a TV advertisement for Brunch Crunch Candies. Her notable acting credits include Big Fat Liar, Canned, and Hairspray. Discover more about her fortune from this post. Source: Legit.ng
https://www.legit.ng/ask-legit/biographies/1629522-who-rowoons-wife-truth-girlfriends-rumored-relationships/
2024-12-16T05:47:31Z
"The Tale of Lady Ok" has posted the pre-preview of Lim Ji Yeon and Choo Young Woo's wedding scene, building up viewers for the next episode. This is a historical drama based on the compelling survival story of Goo Deok played by Lim Ji Yeon as she ran away from her position as a slave, thereby assuming the identity of a noble Lady Ok Tae Young. Meanwhile, Cheon Seung Hwi (played by Choo Young Woo), a man deeply loyal to Goo Deok, risks everything to protect her. 'Spoilers'In the previous episode, Goo Deok met Sung Yoon Gyeom (also played by Choo Young Woo), a man who has an uncanny resemblance to Cheon Seung Hwi. Not knowing that she was actually Lady Ok Tae Young, Sung Yoon Gyeom quickly fell in love with the woman he thought was his lady and proposed marriage to her. The episode ended on a tense note: just as Goo Deok was about to confess her real identity, she caught sight of her former mistress, whose sudden appearance left her visibly shaken. The newly released stills from the upcoming episode depict Goo Deok, now disguised as Lady Ok, shyly wearing traditional bridal attire as she gets married to Sung Yoon Gyeom. It remains to be known though: does Sung Yoon Gyeom still think that she is really noble Lady Ok, or that he has discovered the true identity of Goo Deok? Adding to the drama is the unexpected return of Cheon Seung Hwi. He stands alone outside watching the wedding in despair, his forlorn expression lost in the throngs of people asking more about his return and place in Goo Deok's complicated scheme. So what's next and so much more that Sung Yoon Gyeom does and does not know don't miss the next episode of the drama "The Tale of Lady Ok" on Dec 15 at 10:30 p.m. KST!
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/korean/lim-ji-yeon-marries-choo-young-woo-while-another-choo-young-woo-watches-in-the-tale-of-lady-ok/articleshow/116334958.cms
2024-12-16T05:47:33Z
Embracing eco-friendly plant-based sneakers In a world waking up to the reality of its environmental impact, fashion is getting a green makeover with the latest trend: eco-friendly, plant-based sneakers. This isn't just a style statement, it's a stride towards a sustainable future. Every pair of plant-based sneakers helps reduce waste and carbon emissions. Fashion-conscious consumers can now look good, feel good, and do good for the planet by choosing green kicks over conventional ones. The green revolution in footwear The fashion industry has long been a significant contributor to environmental degradation, pollution, and waste. However, the emergence of plant-based sneakers represents a positive stride toward sustainability in fashion. These kicks are crafted from natural materials such as organic cotton, hemp, and even algae, eliminating the need for synthetic substances detrimental to the environment. Why plant-based sneakers? Choosing plant-based sneakers isn't just about following the latest fashion trend; it's a conscious decision to support a healthier planet and greener future. These shoes provide the same durability and comfort you expect from regular footwear, but with the added assurance that their production and disposal won't harm the environment. Plus, they usually come from brands with strong ethical commitments, so you can feel good about supporting fair labor practices. Styling your green kicks Plant-based sneakers are available in a range of styles, ensuring a perfect fit for any wardrobe. For a relaxed, casual vibe, pair them with your favorite jeans or shorts and a comfy tee. And, if you are going for a more polished look, they can even add a surprising twist to dresses or tailored pants. Choosing eco-friendly footwear isn't about compromising your personal style; it's about elevating it responsibly. Care tips for longevity To extend the life of your plant-based sneakers, caring for them correctly is crucial. Refrain from machine washing; rather, spot clean with a gentle soap and water. Dry them out of direct sunlight to avoid damage. A little regular care goes a long way in ensuring these sustainable shoes stay in your eco-conscious wardrobe for a long time.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/embracing-eco-friendly-plant-based-sneakers/story
2024-12-16T05:47:34Z
Honoring Valor: Vijay Diwas Celebrations Strengthen Indo-Bangladesh Ties Vijay Diwas saw Indian and Bangladeshi military officers laying wreaths and showering flowers at memorials, commemorating the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war victory. Annual exchanges of war veterans and serving officers bolstered the celebrations across both nations, highlighting a shared history of bravery and the unwavering resolve of the armed forces. - Country: - India On the solemn occasion of Vijay Diwas, officers of the Indian Armed Forces, joined by their Bangladesh Army counterparts, paid homage at the Vijay Smarak located at Army Headquarters Eastern Command in Kolkata, West Bengal, on Monday. Representatives from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force participated in these marked celebrations, collectively honoring their valorous predecessors. A unique element of the commemoration involved the aerial scattering of flowers from helicopters upon Vijay Smarak at the historic Fort William. Annually observed across India on December 16, Vijay Diwas commemorates the triumphant 1971 Indo-Pakistan war that symbolized the valor and strategic brilliance of the Indian Armed forces. This year, India and Bangladesh marked the 53rd anniversary of Vijay Diwas with a significant exchange of war veterans and active-duty officers, emphasizing a lasting military camaraderie. Eight Indian war veterans along with two active-serving officers are attending the Victory Day events in Dhaka to participate in commemoration activities hosted by Bangladesh. Reciprocating the gesture, eight esteemed Muktijoddhas and two serving officers from the Bangladesh Armed Forces arrived in India to partake in Kolkata's Vijay Diwas ceremonies. Simultaneously, Indian Army officers conducted wreath-laying rituals at Shaheed Smarak, Colaba Military Station in Mumbai, with a concomitant ceremony held in Chennai. Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his tributes to the soldiers who were pivotal in securing the landmark victory of the 1971 conflict. Via a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi lauded the unsung heroes whose relentless commitment ensured security and prestige for the nation. He hailed their legacy as one that would eternally inspire future generations and remain an integral part of India's rich historical tapestry. (With inputs from agencies.) ALSO READ Prime Minister Modi's Call to action on Cybersecurity, Smart Policing, and National Security Diplomatic Dialogue: Vikram Misri Visits Dhaka Amid Strained India-Bangladesh Relations Prime Minister Modi to Unveil LIC's Women-Focused Bima Sakhi Yojana Prime Minister Modi Praises BAPS Volunteers' Dedication India-Bangladesh Relations: Addressing Threats and Economic Dependencies
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3195392-honoring-valor-vijay-diwas-celebrations-strengthen-indo-bangladesh-ties
2024-12-16T05:47:26Z
The Creek Rhinos have etched their name in rugby sevens, claiming the inaugural Niu Power Gerehu Firelight Sevens title for the third consecutive time. The team, powered by speedsters like Bartholomew Evi, Douglas Pirika, Andrew Solo, and captain Blake Mindipi, dominated the tournament, culminating in a 17-5 victory over the Gerehu Natives in the grand final. The 2024 Sports Tok champions, Gerehu Natives, secured their spot in the open men’s cup final by defeating the Edai Town Chiefs. However, a controversial incident in the semi-final, involving Newtown players assaulting a match official, resulted in a win being awarded to the Natives. The Rhinos, meanwhile, overcame the Underdogs Monaka to set up a thrilling final clash with the Natives. The Rhinos’ defensive prowess and attacking flair were on full display as they held the Natives scoreless in the first half and extended their lead in the second to secure a 17-5 victory. Rhinos captain Blake Mindipi acknowledged the challenges faced by his team, many of whom were transitioning from league to rugby union. He praised their resilience and determination, emphasizing the importance of belief and hard work. “It was tough for the club because we had a lot of boys come through the league and not rugby union, and it was a challenge for them throughout the tournament,” Mindipi said. “We got through, and I hope it was a lesson for them that they could learn the ropes more and then come back better next tournament. Just keep believing in yourself, because what we showed here was unbelievable.” Mindipi also expressed his gratitude to the supporters and sponsors who contributed to the tournament’s success. He thanked his coach, Terence John, and Andrew Evie for their guidance and support. In the women’s division, Cheeters emerged victorious, defeating the Gerehu Natives 19-5 in the final. In the U20 division, the Unitech Reds from Morobe province remained undefeated throughout the tournament, clinching the title with a 24-0 win over the Fuka Flyers. The Korobosea Pirates claimed the bowl title, defeating the Fly Fox 7-5. Other notable results include the third Battalion’s victory over the Juggernauts in the U20 plate final and the Mantas’ 15-5 win over the Jokers in the men’s plate final. The Niu Power Gerehu Firelight Sevens, organized by the MBB Marlins Rugby Union Club and supported by the Capital Rugby Union, was a resounding success, with a total of 101 games played over three days. The tournament showcased the talent and passion of local rugby players and highlighted the growing popularity of rugby sevens in Papua New Guinea.
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/rhinos-claim-third-straight-gerehu-firelight-sevens-title00/
2024-12-16T05:47:33Z
Begin typing your search... Heavy rain likely in Tamil Nadu on Dec 17, 18; orange alert issued According to the weather department, rainfall is expected to range between 12 cm and 20 cm. CHENNAI: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennaion Monday issued an orange alert for Tamil Nadu, forecasting very heavy rainfall on December 17 and December 18. According to the weather department, rainfall is expected to range between 12 cm and 20 cm. The atmospheric circulation over the South Andaman and the adjacent southeast Bay of Bengal was expected to form a low-pressure area yesterday. However, it did not materialise as expected. Under the current conditions, there is a high likelihood of its formation today, as per the latest update from RMC. Next Story
https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/heavy-rain-likely-in-tamil-nadu-on-dec-17-18-orange-alert-issued-815424
2024-12-16T05:47:33Z
Malappuram: A 36-year-old policeman allegedly took his own life by shooting himself dead in Kerala's Malappuram district, police said on Monday. Vineeth, who had been serving as a Thunderbolt commando in the district and is now a part of the Special Operation Group (SOG), was found dead in the bathroom of the quarters on Sunday. Thunderbolt force is engaged in anti-Maoist combing operations. A native of Wayanad district said that "he was reportedly upset about not getting leave despite repeated requests", but police are yet to confirm this. "He was found dead, shooting at himself. The reason for the extreme step is yet to be ascertained," a police officer said. Police also said that the body was shifted to the nearby government hospital for post-mortem, and inquest procedures were completed. Read More
https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!state/policeman-suicide-in-kerala-on-monday-enn24121601300
2024-12-16T05:47:37Z
Who are Chase Landry’s family? A look at his parents and siblings Chase Landry is an American alligator hunter and reality TV personality best known for his role on the History Channel's Swamp People. The show documents the lives of alligator hunters in Louisiana. In addition to his well-known career, many fans are interested in his personal life, especially his family. Chase Landry’s family has played a crucial part in his life. TABLE OF CONTENTS Chase Landry has become a household name in reality television, especially among fans of the hit series Swamp People. He is known for his adventurous spirit and skills as an alligator hunter, often working alongside the rest of his family, including his father and older brother Jacob. Profile summary Chase Landry’s family Chase grew up in a well-known family for living and working in the Louisiana swamps. They became famous through the TV show Swamp People, which follows various teams of alligator hunters through the swampland as they hunt alligators during September each year. Find out more details about his family below. Chase Landry's parents The reality personality's parents are Bernita and Troy Landry. Like him, his father is an American reality TV star and a professional alligator hunter. Troy was born on 9 June 1960, in Louisiana, United States, to Myrtle and Duffy Landry. He is 64 years old as of 2024. The Swamp People star grew up alongside two siblings named Bubba and Guy. He is the head of the Landry Clan in Southern Louisiana and is also known as 'The King of the Swamp'. Troy has appeared in 15 seasons of the History Channel reality TV show Swamp People. During an interview with Explore Lousana, Troy reflected on how the show has positively changed his life: He said: It's changed a lot but all in a positive way. There's 5,000 other alligator hunters out there, and we were fortunate enough to be the ones on this show. Everywhere we go, people recognize us and they get excited. It's like they're meeting some real movie stars or something. He continued: Since the show came out and showed us fishing alligators, it's been very positive for the sale of alligator meat. The demand for alligator meat has almost doubled since the show came out. It don't look like it affected the hide or skin sales as much but it has affected it a little bit to the positive. I really think it's going to eventually affect hide sales too. Unlike his father, Chase's mother has maintained a low profile. She has not disclosed any details about her childhood background, but she is reportedly a school teacher. Chase Landry's siblings The American alligator hunter grew up alongside two brothers named Brandon and Jacob. Jacob is a reality star appearing on History Channel's Swamp People. He was born on 27 December 1983 and is 40 years old as of 2024. Jacob is married to Lyndsi Landry and has two children, Ridge and Kase. However, Chase's brother, Brandon, is not in the limelight. He prefers to keep his personal life under wraps. FAQs - Who is Chase Landry? He is an alligator hunter and reality television personality, best recognised for his role on the History Channel's Swamp People. - Where is Chase Landry from? Chase was born in Pierre Part, Louisiana, United States. - What is Chase Landry's age? The TV personality is 35 years old as of 2024. He was born on 25 April 1989. - Who are Chase Landry's parents? His parents are Bernita and Troy Landry. - Who are Troy Landry's sons? Troy has three sons named Jacob, Brandon and Chase. - Does Chase Landry have siblings? The reality star has two brothers named Brandon and Jacob Landry. - Who is Chase Landry's wife? As of this writing, the American alligator hunter master is not married. However, he was previously married to Chelsea Kinsey. He also dated Swamp People co-star Pickle Wheat. - Does Troy Landry have a daughter? He has a daughter named Riley Blake, who was born on 18 March 2017. - What Happened to Troy Landry? On 19 September 2024, Troy was ticketed for failing to properly tag an alligator, a violation with a maximum punishment of up to 120 days in prison and a $950 fine in Louisiana. Chase Landry's family has played an important role in supporting his career ambitions. He thrives as an alligator hunter and reality television personality. Chase is best recognised for his role on the History Channel's Swamp People, where he appears alongside his father and brother Jacob. The show documents the lives of alligator hunters in Louisiana. Legit.ng recently published Sadie Mckenna’s biography. Sadie is an American social media personality and online content creator known for sharing engaging content, including makeup tutorials, comedy skits, and dance videos. Sadie Mckenna joined social media in 2014 and has gradually won the hearts of many netizens with her content. The Hype House member has not only gained fame but also amassed significant wealth from her work. What is her net worth, and is she dating someone? Here is a look at her biography. Source: Legit.ng
https://www.legit.ng/ask-legit/biographies/1630048-who-chase-landrys-family-a-parents-siblings/
2024-12-16T05:47:38Z
The romantic comedy "Marry YOU" brings an amusing sneak peek of their next episode, promising heart moments and light-hearted surprises. The drama follows Jung Ha Na (played by Jo Soo Min), a civil servant determined to marry off Bong Chul Hee (played by Lee Yi Kyung), a confirmed bachelor from a remote island. Ironically, Ha Na herself is staunchly anti-marriage until their unexpected connection begins to change her perspective. Spoilers In the previous episode, sparks were flying as Bong Chul Hee and Jung Ha Na shared their first kiss, a turn of events in their blossoming romance. Chul Hee confessing his feelings truly sets the stage for the most romantic and sweetest scene that viewers have seen until now. Newly released stills from the upcoming episode offer a glimpse into the couple’s evolving romance. In one scene, Chul Hee wraps Ha Na in a warm embrace, his eyes closed in pure bliss as he basks in the joy of holding the woman he adores. Ha Na, equally smitten, gazes lovingly back at him, their chemistry palpable. However, their romantic bubble bursts because the final still is one hint of an untimely interruption. The couple looks dazed and perplexed, implying that their intimate moment was laughably interrupted in an awkward scene that would most surely add humor to their love story as youth. The production team teased, "Episode 9 will be Chul Hee and Ha Na's heart-fluttering but relatable romance. As Ha Na enjoys the thrills of being in love, she has to face all the accompanying responsibilities. There will be nuanced emotional changes and our actors' passionate performances to look out for. Don't miss the last two episodes of "Marry YOU", which will be broadcast back-to-back on December 15 at 7:50 p.m. KST!
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/korean/marry-you-unveils-a-playful-teaser-ahead-of-its-upcoming-episode/articleshow/116339054.cms
2024-12-16T05:47:39Z
Essential fruits for authentic Indian chutneys Indian cuisine is world-famous for its rich flavors and wide array of dishes. However, the unsung heroes of many meals are the chutneys, these are like the backbone of any Indian meal. Crafted from various fruits, herbs, and spices, these chutneys don't just elevate the flavor, but also pack a nutritional punch. So, today we discuss the top fruits you absolutely need for making real-deal Indian chutneys. Mango: The king of chutney fruits Mangoes are the undisputed king of fruits when it comes to Indian chutneys. The tangy kick of raw mangoes is perfect for crafting a delicious condiment that complements everything from rice to snacks. A traditional raw mango chutney features grated mangoes, sugar or jaggery, salt, and a medley of spices including cumin and fenugreek seeds. The end result is a heavenly fusion of sweet and sour flavors. Tamarind: The sour powerhouse The king of sour fruits, tamarind is a staple in Indian chutneys. Its tanginess brings chutneys to life, and it's usually paired with sugar or jaggery for a sweet and sour kick. To make tamarind chutney, you'll need to combine tamarind pulp with water, sugar or jaggery, salt, and a blend of spices. Tamarind chutney is the perfect dip for your favorite snacks, like samosas and pakoras. Dates: Sweetness meets spices Dates provide a natural sweetness to chutneys, eliminating the need for unhealthy refined sugars. Paired with tangy tamarind and warming spices like ginger powder and garam masala, dates contribute to a balanced and flavorful condiment. This versatile chutney pairs well with a variety of savory dishes and snacks. Date-tamarind chutney holds a special place in Indian cuisine, often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations. Gooseberry: The vitamin C champion Gooseberries (amla) are considered a superfood in Indian cuisine due to their immense health benefits, particularly their high vitamin C content. A simple gooseberry chutney can be prepared by cooking chopped gooseberries with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, and seasoning with salt and turmeric powder. Such a chutney is not just delicious but also an immunity booster. Tomato: Versatile flavor enhancer Tomatoes are the backbone of spicy and savory chutneys in Indian cuisine. They get blended with garlic, chili peppers, onions, cilantro, coriander, mint, lemon juice, vinegar, oil, sugar, salt, black pepper, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, asafetida, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, curry leaves, green chilies, and ginger garlic paste. No wonder, they hold so much power in amplifying chutney flavors!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/essential-fruits-for-authentic-indian-chutneys/story
2024-12-16T05:47:40Z
South Korean investigators request that impeached president appear for questioning over martial law Yoon was impeached by the opposition-controlled National Assembly on Saturday over his Dec 3 martial law decree SEOUL: South Korean law enforcement authorities will request that impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol appear for questioning this week over his short-lived martial law decree as they expand a probe into whether his ill-conceived power grab amounted to rebellion. A joint investigative team involving police, an anti-corruption agency and the Defense Ministry plans to convey a request to Yoon's office that he appears for questioning on Wednesday, the police said Monday. Yoon was impeached by the opposition-controlled National Assembly on Saturday over his Dec. 3 martial law decree. His presidential powers will be suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to formally remove him from office or reinstate him. If Yoon is dismissed, an election to choose his successor must be held within 60 days. Yoon has justified his martial law enforcement as a necessary act of governance against an opposition he described as “anti-state forces” bogging down his agendas and vowed to “fight to the end” against efforts to remove him from office. Hundreds of thousands of protesters have poured onto the streets of the country's capital, Seoul, in recent days, calling for Yoon's ouster and arrest. It remains unclear whether Yoon will grant the request by investigators for an interview. South Korean prosecutors, who are pushing a separate investigation into the incident, also reportedly asked Yoon to appear at a prosecution office for questioning on Sunday but he refused to do so. Repeated calls to a prosecutors' office in Seoul were unanswered. Yoon's office has also resisted a police attempt to search the compound for evidence. The request came before the Constitutional Court meets to discuss the case later Monday. The court has up to 180 days to rule. But observers say that a court ruling could come faster. In the case of parliamentary impeachments of past presidents — Roh Moo-hyun in 2004 and Park Geun-hye in 2016 — the court spent 63 days and 91 days respectively before determining to reinstate Roh and dismiss Park. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who will serve as the country's acting leader while Yoon's powers are suspended, and other government officials have sought to reassure allies and markets after Yoon's surprise stunt paralysed politics, halted high-level diplomacy and complicated efforts to revive a faltering economy. Liberal opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, whose Democratic Party holds a majority in the National Assembly, urged the Constitutional Court to rule swiftly on Yoon's impeachment and proposed a special council for policy cooperation between the government and parliament. Lee, a firebrand lawmaker who for years drove a political offensive against Yoon's government, is seen as the frontrunner to replace him. He lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon by a razor-thin margin. Kweon Seong-dong, floor leader of Yoon's conservative People Power Party, separately criticized Lee's proposal, saying that it's “not right” for the opposition party to act like the ruling party. Kweon, a Yoon loyalist, said his party will use existing PPP-government dialogue channels “to continue to assume responsibility as the governing party until the end of President Yoon's term."
https://www.dtnext.in/news/world/south-korean-investigators-request-that-impeached-president-appear-for-questioning-over-martial-law-815418
2024-12-16T05:47:40Z
A Santos Foundation program aimed at combating family and sexual violence in Papua New Guinea has garnered international acclaim. The Bel isi PNG program was honored with the Corporate Impact Award – Targeted Program at the prestigious Platts Global Energy Awards in New York. The Bel isi PNG program took home the Corporate Impact Award – Targeted Program at the highly respected international industry awards. The Corporate Impact Award – Targeted Program recognizes projects that help humanitarian efforts, economic hardship, or other events impacting communities. Santos Managing Director and CEO Kevin Gallagher said the Santos Foundation’s mission is to invest in partnerships and local initiatives that help communities thrive, and build capacity and resilience in the communities it serves. “The Bel isi PNG program is a shining example of the Santos Foundation’s mission and was established to address the very serious issue of family and sexual violence in Papua New Guinea and we are proud to see this work be recognised by the wider industry,” Mr. Gallagher said. “Santos and our Foundation invest US$10 million into PNG communities each year, focusing on health, youth opportunities, community development, and family and sexual violence. “Santos has been a proud corporate citizen of PNG for around 40 years. We are committed to PNG, its economy, and above all, its people – for the long haul. “PNG is a very important part of the Santos portfolio and includes the world-class PNG LNG project as well as large-scale upstream oil and gas resources and infrastructure. “PNG is also an energy-producing nation for the giant energy-consuming economies of Asia. And of course, it is the development of PNG resources that is underpinning the jobs, business opportunities, regional development and government revenues that are helping PNG build prosperity for its people over time. “The Santos Foundation plays a very important role in supporting Santos’ operations in PNG, building stronger communities in the areas where we operate and making a major contribution to Santos’ purpose to provide reliable and affordable energy to help create a better world for everyone,” Mr Gallagher said. The magnitude of family and sexual violence in Papua New Guinea is a serious challenge. Almost two-thirds of women report having experienced some form of physical or sexual violence. The Bel isi PNG program is a public-private partnership that aims to encourage the corporate sector, in collaboration with the government and civic society, to take a transformative role in changing attitudes towards family and sexual violence while also providing access to immediate care and support for survivors. The initiative has supported more than 2,000 people in need from its commencement in 2018 to the end of 2023. More than 5,000 private sector employees have participated in education sessions about family and sexual violence. Accepting the award on behalf of the Foundation and its partners, Santos Foundation PNG Head Jean Martin said Bel isi PNG is successful because of the collaboration of all its partners and Santos’ strong commitment to the program. “Bel isi is a real passion project for many at the Santos Foundation, not only for the work it has taken to keep the model functioning but also for the many hundreds of lives it has now touched,” Ms Martin said. “Every minute, a woman or child needs help for family violence, and I am proud that Santos continues to support a service that stands ready to respond.” Santos Foundation CEO Jodie Hatherly said the program is delivered by a dedicated team who are committed to improving outcomes for those impacted by family and sexual violence. “I thank everyone involved in the program for their hard work and dedication to providing such an important service. Being recognized at the prestigious Platts Global Energy Awards is an acknowledgment of the real difference both Santos and the Santos Foundation are making for women and children in PNG,” Ms. Hatherly said. Bel isi PNG’s partners include the Santos Foundation, the Australian Federal Government, Bank South Pacific (BSP), Steamships, Femili PNG, Business Coalition for Women (BCFW), security firm G4S and the National Capital District Commission. Santos was also recognised as a finalist in the Energy Transition Award – Upstream category for our Integrated Production Model digital innovation. In collaboration with Xecta in 2023, Santos launched this advanced technology in South Australia’s Cooper Basin to optimise field surveillance and production by performing automated engineering calculations with real-time telemetry data. The project was a departure from traditional methods, combining well-understood physics principles with advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning to create an industry-leading full-field integrated production model.
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/santos-foundations-life-changing-bel-isi-program-in-papuanew-guinea-wins-international-recognition/
2024-12-16T05:47:40Z
© Brighteon.com All Rights Reserved. All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Brighteon is not responsible for comments and content uploaded by our users. © Brighteon.com All Rights Reserved. All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Brighteon is not responsible for comments and content uploaded by our users. © Brighteon.com All Rights Reserved. All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Brighteon is not responsible for comments and content uploaded by our users.
https://www.brighteon.com/channels/arvydas1/home
2024-12-16T05:47:41Z
Exotic elegance: Cooking with guava paste Guava paste, a deliciously thick and sweet concoction created by simmering guava fruit and sugar, holds a special place in many culinary traditions. It's that secret ingredient that adds a distinctive touch to both sweet treats and savory delights. Discover five exciting ways to unleash the power of guava paste in your kitchen, elevating the flavor game of your favorite recipes. Transform your breakfast spread Guava paste will change the way you start your day by bringing a taste of the tropics to your breakfast table. Smear it across a piece of toast or stir it into a bowl of yogurt for an instant, delicious morning pick-me-up. Its deep, sugary goodness perfectly complements the tartness of plain yogurt, resulting in a refreshing flavor combination that will excite your taste buds. Elevate your desserts Adding guava paste to desserts is a game-changer. One easy and delicious way to use it is as a filling for cakes or pastries. Imagine biting into a layer of guava paste nestled between fluffy cake or wrapped in a warm, buttery pastry. That unexpected burst of flavor takes any dessert to the next level. It pairs so well with all the usual sweet stuff. A twist on traditional sauces Guava paste isn't just for spreading or baking; it also makes an excellent base for sauces. Melted down with a bit of water or citrus juice, it can create a sweet and tangy sauce perfect for drizzling over grilled vegetables or as a dipping sauce for appetizers. This approach offers an easy way to introduce exotic flavors into everyday meals. Creative salad dressings If you're tired of the same old salad dressings, try shaking things up with guava paste! Whisk the paste with vinegar, olive oil, and your favorite seasonings for a sweet and savory dressing that's anything but boring. This dressing is perfect for salads with fruits like mangoes or avocados, helping to balance out the flavors. Enhance your beverage game Finally, guava paste is a secret weapon for creating standout drinks. Whether you're blending up smoothies, mixing cocktails, or stirring mocktails, a spoonful of guava paste adds a depth and richness that's difficult to achieve with other ingredients. It's a natural match for citrus flavors, but don't be afraid to experiment with different fruits and herbs for a refreshing twist on your favorite drinks year-round.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/exotic-elegance-cooking-with-guava-paste/story
2024-12-16T05:47:42Z
Chattisgarh: Six persons were killed and seven others injured when a sports utility vehicle (SUV) they were travelling in collided with a truck in Chhattisgarh's Balod district, police said on Monday. The accident took place under the Daundi police station area late Sunday night when the victims, natives of the Gunderdehi area in the district were returning from a family function, they said. "The vehicle collided head-on with the truck. Of the 13 occupants of the SUV, six died on the spot, while seven others suffered serious injuries," a police official here said. The deceased have been identified as Durpat Prajapati (30), four women - Sumitra Bai Kumbhkar (50), Manisha Kumbhkar (35), Sagun Bai Kumbhkar (50) and Imla Bai (55) - and minor boy Jignesh Kumbhkar (7), he said. The seven injured persons, including five women and a child, were shifted to a local community health centre from where they were referred to Rajnandgaon district hospital for further medication, the official said. An accidental death report has been registered and further investigation is underway, he added. Read More
https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!state/several-killed-and-injured-as-suv-collides-with-truck-in-chhattisgarh-balod-district-monday-enn24121601018
2024-12-16T05:47:43Z
Does Arin Hanson have a dad? His parents and siblings revealed Arin Hanson is a YouTuber, voice actor, animator, rapper, and songwriter. He is popularly known for his Flash cartoons and as a co-host of the famous American Let's Play web series, Game Grumps. Besides being well-known in the entertainment scene, her family details are scanty. Does Arin Hanson have a dad? Meet Arin Hanson's family members. TABLE OF CONTENTS Arin Hanson developed an interest in art at a tender age, experimenting with stop-motion animation. He began his career as an animator and voice actor in the entertainment industry, creating the web series Awesome Series and Sequelities. Despite being a public figure, many know little about Arin Hanson's parents and siblings. Profile summary Does Arin Hanson have a dad? The American entertainer is the son of Lloyd Hanson and Maurette Hanson. He also has an older brother. Here are more details about them. Lloyd Hanson Lloyd Hanson, known by his stage name Paparaptor, is a musician, blues guitar player, and keyboard player. He owns over thirty guitars. Arin's dad is also a moderator of the BGU forum and Studio One software guru. Lloyd has a website, OldFartsWithGuitars, where he shares or writes about his life as a musician and his Hanson family members. In 2023, the celebrity father covered Tonio K.'s song Better Late Than Never. According to his Instagram page, Lloyd is a farmer who grows tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers and also keeps livestock. Lloyd celebrates his birthday in March. On his birthday, Arin made him two flash films, Happy Birthday Dad! and It's Dad's Birthday Again! Maurette Hanson Maurette is a licensed equine therapist. She is the founder and executive director at Healing Horse Therapy Center Inc., based in Monroe, North Carolina, United States. The charity aims to help military veterans with PTSD, autism, or other learning disabilities through equine-assisted therapy. Maurette is also the program director for Horses for Heroes, a program offered by the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. She began volunteering in 1992 and has given therapeutic riding lessons ever since. Arin's mother is a horse enthusiast. She grew up with them in Connecticut and, therefore, developed an interest in them and learned to ride in summer camp. In an interview, she stated: I started riding when I was 8 years old. Maurette greatly supports his son Arin's career. Arin often mentions his mom when recalling his childhood. She supported him in pursuing his voice acting career rather than his education. Maurette appeared on a Game Grumps livestream to raise funds for her charity and create awareness. Arin Hanson's siblings The YouTube star grew up alongside his older brother, Nathan Hanson. He is three years older than Arin. He is an aviator and a veteran of the US Air Force. FAQs - Who is Arin Hanson? He is an American voice actor, YouTube star, rapper, and animator. - How old is Arin Hanson? He is 37 years old as of 2024. - Who are Arin Hanson's parents? The rapper's parents are Lloyd and Maurette Hanson. - Does Arin Hanson have a brother? He has one older brother called Nate Hanson, an aviator and veteran of the US Air Force. - Where is Arin Hanson from? He hails from Margate, Florida, United States. - Who is Arin Hanson's wife? The voice actor is married to Suzanne 'Suzy' Berhow. - Does Arin Hanson have a kid? He is yet to be a father. - How tall is Arin Hanson's height? He is 6 feet 2 inches or 188 centimetres tall. Arin is a renowned American animator, voice actor, rapper, and YouTuber widely known for his work as a co-host on the Let's Play web series Game Grumps. "Does Arin Hanson have a dad?" has been the most frequently asked question by his fans. Arin's parents are Maurette and Lloyd Hanson; his brother is Nate. Legit.ng recently published an article about Connor McGovern's parents. Connor is an American NFL player who plays for the New York Jets and resides in Columbia, Missouri, United States. Connor McGovern was born in Fargo, North Dakota, United States. Although his parents have avoided the spotlight, they have been an ever-present pillar supporting his career. Discover who Connor McGovern's parents are. Source: Legit.ng
https://www.legit.ng/ask-legit/biographies/1630226-does-arin-hanson-a-dad-parents-siblings-revealed/
2024-12-16T05:47:44Z
The romance thriller "When the Phone Rings" concluded its first half on a roll, achieving its highest rating up to date. The December 14 drama reached an average nationwide rating of 6.9 percent based on Nielsen Korea, a new personal best and a great lead for what is expected to be a gripping second half. Meanwhile, "Love Your Enemy" also made ripples when it entered the second half of its run. Traditionally, the show's ratings have been lower on Saturdays than on Sundays. But the latest episode broke that pattern as it achieved an average nationwide rating of 5.1 percent, the highest rating it got for a Saturday broadcast so far. The consistent upward trend highlights the growing interest in romantic comedy. Meanwhile, "Iron Family" was still the network's number one viewed program of any type which aired on Saturday. And with an average rating nationwide, it came in with 14.5 percent with which to further dominate all prime-time viewing. Meanwhile, several big dramas suspended their episodes due to special news coverage. "The Fiery Priest 2," "The Tale of Lady Ok," and "Marry YOU" all aired to give way to the National Assembly vote on the second motion to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol. With "When the Phone Rings" reaching new heights and "Love Your Enemy" gaining momentum, fans are on the edge of their seats at what these two dramas have in store for their future episodes. "Iron Family" is still the number one rated across the country and keeps going. Catch up on updates on these shows as they march through their mid-season.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/news/korean/when-the-phone-rings-achieves-record-ratings-ahead-of-its-second-half/articleshow/116338637.cms
2024-12-16T05:47:45Z
GULF Provincial Member Sir Chris Haiveta was a very happy knight last Friday. Besides oil and gas from the Papua LNG project, his province is poised to rake in millions in development funds and spinoffs from the K80 billion Pasca A gas project offshore in the Gulf of Papua. Sir Chris thanked the Government for the Pasca project which will be finalised at Government House in Konedobu this Thursday. He said this was a major step in the government now empowering all provinces amidst the tough economic times. Prime Minister James Marape announced at the Sydney Conference that the Pasca A project was a goer. Mr Marape, initialed this landmark Gas Agreement with Twinza Oil Ltd, the operator of the Pasca A offshore gas project, paving the way for the development of PNG’s first offshore petroleum project, located in the Gulf Province. “State has the responsibility for and is the custodian of all the resources and under the law in PNG, Oil and Gas have the same purchase and role. “I want to thank Prime Minister James Marape and the leadership of the Ministry and a special thank you to the State Negotiating Team. “For over 16 years this province has been touted as the next province top of the rank, it will now come into fruition. For the province, I am delighted with the 40 per cent duty that the National Government has indicated for the Gulf Provincial Government. “We carried pipelines and ensured that we prosper from the current operations. We have never been involved as direct beneficiaries. “This offshore project is an example of something that we can negotiate on ourselves. “This is equitable distribution amongst all and fair obligations and responsibilities by the contract. “I want to thank Prime Minister; it is your leadership and your optimistic outlook to getting this industry moving.” He also thanked all stakeholders involved in the background who have worked tirelessly to commercialise it, MRDC, and their success in growing landowners’ stake in many of the activities undertaken so far. “And I feel confident that with Mineral Resources Development Corporation’s involvement, we are going to see this project succeed.”
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/sir-chris-commends-govt-for-signing-pasca-a-gas-agreement/
2024-12-16T05:47:46Z
Fiji Resort Incident: Tourists Struck by Alcohol Poisoning Seven tourists, including four Australians, were hospitalised in Fiji due to suspected alcohol poisoning after consuming a cocktail at the Warwick Fiji resort. While investigations are ongoing, the Fijian government assures the safety of the tourism experience. Australian authorities have updated travel warnings regarding potential drink spiking risks. Seven tourists, including four Australians, have been hospitalised in Fiji following a suspected alcohol poisoning incident at the Warwick Fiji resort. The group fell ill after consuming a cocktail at a specific bar within the resort, according to the Fijian government. The incident is being described as isolated, emphasizing that the tourism experience in Fiji remains generally safe. Fiji's government and the resort management are investigating, while ensuring immediate care for the affected guests. The Australian government has updated its travel advisory for Fiji, highlighting potential risks of drink spiking. Authorities are urging travelers to exercise caution and remain vigilant of potential alcohol-related dangers abroad. (With inputs from agencies.)
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/health/3195375-fiji-resort-incident-tourists-struck-by-alcohol-poisoning
2024-12-16T05:47:40Z
Exploring Morocco's solar power revolution Morocco is making the sun work for them! They're building huge solar farms in the desert. This project is a big deal. It's not just about cutting back on dirty fossil fuels. It's about making Morocco the renewable energy king of Africa. And, the project is not for the faint-hearted. They want to get 42% of Morocco's energy from renewable sources by 2020. The dawn of solar energy in the desert The Moroccan government initiated the Solar Power Plan to construct one of the world's biggest solar power plants in the Ouarzazate region. This plant, called Noor (meaning "light" in Arabic), covers thousands of acres and can generate over 580 megawatts of power. That's enough to provide electricity to over a million homes! A green oasis in arid lands The solar farms aren't only powering homes and businesses with clean electricity; they're also making a big difference for the environment and sustainability. By cutting carbon pollution by hundreds of thousands of tons annually, these projects are fighting climate change. Plus, they use cool tech like concentrated solar power (CSP) that can save up energy for nights or cloudy days. Economic impacts and opportunities Apart from the obvious environmental advantages, Morocco's solar projects also have a profound positive effect on the nation's economy. They generate thousands of jobs during the construction and operation stages and draw substantial foreign investment. With a significant investment allocated for the Noor project, Morocco has showcased its dedication to transitioning to a green economy. Engaging local communities A key component of Morocco's solar projects is community engagement and development. Initiatives include training programs for locals on maintaining solar panels and infrastructure development such as roads and schools around project sites. These efforts ensure that the benefits of renewable energy extend beyond just electricity generation to foster social and economic growth within local communities. Tips for eco-conscious travelers If you're planning to visit these iconic sites, remember to be a responsible traveler. Choose guided tours focused on environmental conservation or stay at accommodations with a strong commitment to sustainability. This way, you can enjoy your trip while also reducing your carbon footprint. Every choice you make can contribute to sustainable tourism practices.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/exploring-moroccos-solar-power-revolution/story
2024-12-16T05:47:48Z
Mumbai: Shiv Sena MLA Narendra Bhondekar has resigned from all party posts while expressing disappointment at not being included in the Maharashtra cabinet. Speaking to reporters in Bhandara on Sunday, Bhondekar, who was the Shiv Sena's deputy leader and co-ordinator for eastern Vidarbha districts, claimed his party head and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had promised him a cabinet berth. Bhondekar said he aspired to secure a cabinet berth to become the guardian minister of the Bhandara district and work for its development. He won from the Bhandara constituency by defeating his Congress rival by more than 38,000 votes in the November 20 state polls. A total of 39 legislators from Mahayuti allies were sworn in on Sunday in the first cabinet expansion of the Devendra Fadnavis-led ministry including 16 new faces, while 10 former ministers were excluded. While the BJP secured 19 ministerial berths by being the largest party among allies, Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) were allotted 11 and 9 berths, respectively. Bhondekar said, "I joined the Shiv Sena on the condition that I would be given a cabinet berth. Shinde had even promised me the same. When Shinde became chief minister in the previous government, I was an independent MLA and extended support to him." 'The Sena leader claimed his name was also considered for a ministerial position during the last cabinet expansion (of the previous Mahayuti government). "When I reviewed the cabinet list and realised I was omitted, I decided to step down from all positions in the party," he said. Bhondekar said he intended to secure a cabinet post to become the guardian minister of Bhandara district, but he will now serve as an ordinary party worker. Bhandara district consistently had an outsider as the guardian minister for several years. Such a practice has hindered the resolution of issues affecting the district, he claimed. "I no longer have the mindset to hold any official position. I have submitted my resignation to my party leaders and await their response," Bhondekar said.
https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!state/shiv-sena-mla-narendra-bhondekar-quits-party-posts-expressing-disappointment-not-included-in-maharashtra-cabinet-enn24121601172
2024-12-16T05:47:49Z
Iranian authorities have arrested a 27-year-old female singer, Parastoo Ahmady, who held a virtual concert on YouTube, according to her lawyer. Ahmady, who was performing in Sari City, the capital of Mazandaran province, was detained on Saturday. The arrest follows a case filed by the judiciary on Thursday concerning her performance, which featured her singing in a sleeveless black dress without a hijab, alongside four male musicians. The concert, posted on YouTube the day before, has garnered over 1.6 million views. In the video, Ahmady introduced herself as “a girl who wants to sing for the people I love” and expressed her passion for performing for her country. کنسرت کاروانسرا با صدای پرستو احمدی | Karvansara Concert, Parastoo Ahmadi However, her appearance without the mandatory hijab violated Iran’s strict dress codes for women, which have been in place since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. According to Iranian law, women are required to wear a hijab in public and cannot appear without it in front of men who are not related to them. The judiciary has yet to clarify the charges against Ahmady or reveal her current location, but her lawyer, Milad Panahipour, stated that they are seeking further information. He also confirmed that two of the musicians from her band, Soheil Faghih Nasiri and Ehsan Beiraghdar, were arrested in Tehran the same day. Female performers in Iran have long faced restrictions on their ability to sing publicly. Initially, women were banned from singing at all, but later, they were only allowed to sing in all-female spaces. The ban on solo performances before mixed-gender audiences remains a key point of contention. This arrest follows a broader crackdown on women's rights, particularly after protests erupted across Iran in 2022, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, who died after being arrested by the morality police for allegedly violating the hijab law. Ahmady’s concert had drawn significant attention, with US-based activist Masih Alinejad calling it a historic moment, and others praising her courage in defying the regime's restrictions. Rights groups have warned that new laws expected this week could increase penalties for women who fail to adhere to the dress code.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/iranian-authorities-arrest-singer-parastoo-ahmady-over-virtual-concert-without-hijab/articleshow/116335786.cms
2024-12-16T05:47:51Z
The SP PNG Hunters are urging fans to be cautious of fake news circulating online. The team issued a statement today addressing several fabricated articles that recently appeared on a website known for spreading misinformation in the sporting world. “It’s incredibly frustrating to have to address these false claims,” said SP PNG Hunters CEO Scott Barker. “We want to assure our supporters that there is absolutely no truth to any of these stories.” The Hunters encourage fans to get their team updates exclusively from trusted sources, including the official SP PNG Hunters website (www.pnghunters.com), Digicel, TV Wan, Post-Courier Online, Kalang News, NBC News, and The National. Fans seeking official updates or with further inquiries can contact the team directly via email at media@pnghunters.com, visit the official website, or follow them on social media platforms.
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/sp-png-hunters-warn-fans-of-fake-news-articles/
2024-12-16T05:47:52Z
TOKYO: A startup aiming to become Japan's first private firm to put a satellite into orbit postponed a rocket launch for the second day running on Sunday, local media said, after its first try ended in a mid-air explosion. Tokyo-based Space One had initially scheduled liftoff for its Kairos rocket for 11:00 am (0200 GMT) on Saturday, but pushed the launch back 24 hours because of high wind speeds. It postponed the launch again on Sunday because of weather conditions, according to local media including national broadcaster NHK. Space One officials could not immediately be reached for comment. In March, the solid-fuel Kairos, carrying a small government test satellite, lifted off for the first time from the Space One launch pad, dubbed Spaceport Kii. But seconds later, technical problems were detected and a self-destruct order was sent to the 18-metre (60-foot) rocket. It erupted in flames, sending white smoke billowing around the remote mountainous area. Hundreds of spectators, gathered at public viewing areas including a nearby waterfront, witnessed the dramatic scene. In the second launch attempt, the rocket was supposed to carry five satellites, including one from the Taiwan Space Agency and others designed by Japanese students and corporate ventures. Space One was founded in 2018 by major businesses including Canon Electronics, IHI Aerospace, construction firm Shimizu, and the government-run Development Bank of Japan. The company is hoping to establish itself in a competitive international field by launching small rockets, quickly, for businesses seeking to put satellites into space.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/japans-space-one-delays-kairos-rocket-launch-again-media/articleshow/116330705.cms
2024-12-16T05:47:53Z
Journey through time: Tassili n'Ajjer's ancient art At over 72,000 square kilometers, Tassili n'Ajjer National Park in Algeria is a vast, open-air museum. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts tens of thousands of Neolithic era rock paintings and otherworldly geological formations. Deep valleys, sandstone mountains, and endless vistas create a landscape that transports visitors to the past, revealing the ancient world through the art of forgotten cultures. Unveil ancient rock art The main attraction of Tassili n'Ajjer is undoubtedly its ancient rock art. You can visit several sites where these prehistoric masterpieces are preserved. The paintings offer glimpses into the daily lives of the people who once populated the area, featuring images of animals that are now extinct or no longer found in the Sahara. Opt for guided tours to fully appreciate the historical and artistic significance of these ancient canvases. Embrace the Martian landscape Beyond its ancient history, Tassili n'Ajjer is a geological wonder. The park boasts a Martian-like landscape, complete with red sandstone formations and expansive desert plains. Hiking through this alien terrain provides stunning vistas and a profound sense of solitude amidst the majesty of nature. Don't forget to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water as you explore this unique ecosystem. Stargazing amidst silence The isolation of Tassili n'Ajjer makes it one of the world's most incredible stargazing destinations. Free from light pollution, the night sky erupts into a brilliant tapestry of stars, revealing the universe's grandeur in all its glory. Camping under this celestial masterpiece is a truly transformative experience, grounding you in the vastness of the universe amidst the profound silence. Connect with local culture Tassili n'Ajjer is a perfect fusion of history and nature, offering a glimpse into ancient art while surrounded by stunning landscapes. Interacting with locals allows visitors to experience traditions firsthand, whether through learning crafts or enjoying shared meals. These authentic encounters foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture, transforming visits into truly memorable exchanges.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/journey-through-time-tassili-najjers-ancient-art-algeria/story
2024-12-16T05:47:54Z
Massive Drug Bust in Maharashtra: FDA Seizes Counterfeit Meds Worth Rs 1.85 Crore The FDA seized counterfeit drugs worth Rs 1.85 crore in Thane, Maharashtra. Raids revealed fake medicine operations deceiving patients across states. Two individuals face charges under several laws, as investigations continue to uncover manufacturing and distribution networks of the fraudulent products. - Country: - India The Food and Drug Administration has seized counterfeit drugs worth Rs 1.85 crore following raids in Maharashtra's Thane district. The targeted operations took place in Bhiwandi and the Mira Road area over recent months. A case has been registered against two individuals for allegedly manufacturing and selling fake medicines under the guise of legitimate brands. These drugs were distributed across various states, endangering public health, according to the FDA. The accused face charges under several legal sections, including those for cheating and drug adulteration. Authorities are probing the origins of these spurious drugs and the associated distribution networks. (With inputs from agencies.)
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/health/3195386-massive-drug-bust-in-maharashtra-fda-seizes-counterfeit-meds-worth-rs-185-crore
2024-12-16T05:47:54Z
Durg: Maitri Bagh Zoo, which shelters eight white tigers, continues to draw animal lovers due to its pride of place, big cats with snow-white complexion which are a rarity due to a rare colour mutation called leucism. According to conservationists, the existence of this type of tiger is the outcome of a rare mutation appearing in the wild approximately once in every 10,000 tiger cub births. This is the reason why white tigers are incredibly rare. Maitri Bagh Zoo of Chhattisgarh is counted among the zoos with the highest number of white tigers in the country. This is the fourth zoo in the country where the number of white tigers has reached eight. There are five male and three female white tigers among them. The management claims that the highest number of white tiger breeding takes place in Maitri Bagh Zoo. The zoo's in-charge NK Jain said that white tigers have been sent from this zoo to other zoos in the country. “White tigers have been sent from here to many other zoos in the country. Zoos in Indore, Gujarat, and Bengal already got white tigers from here. A pair of white tigers was brought here 28 years ago. Since then the number of white tigers kept increasing. Now this number has reached eight. More than six white tigers have been given to other zoos in the country,” he said. Jain added, “Twenty-eight years ago, Tapasi and Tarun were brought here from Nandan Kanan Zoo in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. In 1998, the couple gave birth to two cubs for the first time. Tapasi and Tarun's cubs were sent to Bokaro Zoo in Jharkhand. Today, their seventh generation is attracting tourists in Durg. Youngest cubs are named Bobby, Rana and Rustam.” When was Maitri Bagh established? Maitri Bagh Zoo was established in 972. The zoo that was built to celebrate the friendship between India and Russia is maintained by Bhilai Steel Plant. The management takes special care of white tigers in Maitri Bagh and plays a vital role in increasing their population. Bhilai Steel Plant management also spends a huge amount of money on white tigers.
https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!state/white-tigers-find-safe-haven-in-chhattisgarhs-maitri-bagh-zoo-enn24121600741
2024-12-16T05:47:57Z
The Green Bay Packers entered Sunday night's matchup with the Seattle Seahawks owning just a 1-4 record against teams with a winning record this season, hungry to rebound from a shootout loss to the rival Detroit Lions. They did just that, riding the bruising Josh Jacobs and an impressive showing from Jeff Hafley's defense to outlast the Seahawks in a 30-13 victory and stay alive in the crowded NFC North race. Jacobs and the Packers offense weren't perfect on the road; the former lost the ball on a fourth-quarter carry and was stuffed on a fourth-down rush even later. But the former Las Vegas Raiders ball-carrier had a big night otherwise, shedding tackles early to help give Green Bay a 20-3 halftime lead. The Seahawks, meanwhile, had a world of trouble against Hafley's group, surrendering seven sacks as both Geno Smith and Sam Howell turned the ball over through the air. Howell replaced Smith under center about halfway through the third quarter after the latter suffered a knee injury while trying to avoid pressure from Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. The veteran signal-caller returned to the sidelines after a locker-room evaluation but did not retake the field, showing a noticeable limp as he walked. Cooper, on the other hand, continued to star for Green Bay, picking off Howell to defend a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, also finishing the night with five tackles and a sack. Here are some major takeaways from Sunday night's showdown: Play of the game Jacobs looked like the workhorse back that he is early on, sending a Seahawks defender flopping off his rumbling frame, but Romeo Doubs delivered the catch of the day on this game-sealing score: The Packers can indeed beat playoff-caliber teams This doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement, but it actually is a testament to Green Bay's status as an NFC contender. Coming in, the one thing the Packers had struggled to do in 2024 was win tight contests against potential playoff teams. Seattle, of course, isn't the juggernaut that is the Lions or Philadelphia Eagles, but Mike Macdonald's defense is feisty, and Jordan Love never looked fazed as he leaned on the ground game, then delivered a perfect kill-shot of a deep ball to Romeo Doubs in the game's closing minutes to blow the score open again. The defensive effort also intensified in the home stretch, proving Green Bay is, in fact, capable of closing out a chippy contest. On the road, against a scrappy "D," they outmuscled their competition. The Seahawks are in a bit of trouble Entering the prime-time affair atop the NFC West at 8-5, Seattle had a chance to stay at least a game ahead of the Los Angeles Rams. Instead, the Seahawks' always-iffy offensive line reverted to its traditional state, allowing Geno Smith to be swallowed up to the point of injury, and rendering the Zach Charbonnet-led running backfield all but nonexistent until it was too late. Macdonald's defense stood relatively firm to open the second half, but his team as a whole just couldn't get into rhythm. It's an issue that could linger if Smith is unable to suit up or at least play with his typical gunslinging swagger, especially as Matthew Stafford and the Rams prepare to make a play for the division crown. What's next The Packers (10-4) will return to Lambeau Field for a Week 16 Monday night showdown with the New Orleans Saints (5-9), who narrowly fell to the Washington Commanders on Sunday with rookie Spencer Rattler under center. The Seahawks (8-6) will stay at home to host the cruising Minnesota Vikings (11-2), who are looking to get their 12th win of the season against the Chicago Bears on Monday night.
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/seahawks-vs-packers-score-takeaways-josh-jacobs-shines-geno-smith-injured-as-green-bay-rolls-over-seattle/live/
2024-12-16T05:47:58Z
8 best Apple TV+ shows of 2024 By Bryce Olin Although the ratings and word-of-mouth might not reflect it, 2024 has been an incredible year for Apple TV+. We didn't get a new season of Ted Lasso, but there were so many good shows released on Apple TV+ this year. There's no doubt that this streaming service is making some of the best and highest-quality TV shows. The TV shows I'm leaving off this list of the best Apple TV+ shows of the year are better than most of the top shows from more popular streaming services. If you missed any of these good Apple TV+ shows in 2024, it's time to watch them before the end of the year and Apple rolls out a whole new slate of shows in 2025. Let's get the list started with one of the most popular Apple TV+ shows of the year, Presumed Innocent starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Presumed Innocent Premiere date: June 12, 2024 David E. Kelley's Presumed Innocent starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Ruth Negga is easily one of the best thrillers of the year. The series is based on the book of the same name by Scott Turow, which was also adapted for the 1990 film of the same name starring Harrison Ford. In Presumed Innocent, prosecuting attorney Rusty Sabich (Gyllenhaal) becomes a key suspect in the murder of his colleague, Carolyn Polhemus (Renate Reinsve), after details of their affair and romantic relationship come to light. Rusty tries everything he can to defend himself against his old office. Presumed Innocent was so successful that Apple TV+ quickly renewed the series for season 2. It will bring in a whole new cast and a new case for season 2. Shrinking Season 2 premiere date: Oct. 16, 2024 Speaking of Harrison Ford, Shrinking is next up on the list of the best Apple TV+ shows of the year. The comedy series from Jason Segel, Brett Goldstein, and Bill Lawrence is back for season 2 in 2024, and it's easily the best comedy series on Apple TV+ following Ted Lasso. In Shrinking, Jason Segel stars as Jimmy, a therapist who recently lost his wife. Deep in grief, Jimmy begins questioning his own advice he'd been giving out for years and starts going rogue, basically. The drastic changes bring drastic results for Jimmy and those in his circles. Shrinking is one of the most successful Apple TV+ shows of all time. The series is still in the middle of its season 2 run, which ends on Christmas day with the season 2 finale. Shrinking season 3 is already in the works on Apple TV+. Stay tuned for more news about the hit series! Silo Season 2 premiere date: Nov. 15, 2024 Silo is currently the best Apple TV+ show on right now! The series is in the middle of its second season, which premiered in mid-November. It'll probably continue to be the biggest show on Apple TV+ through at least February. The season 2 finale is scheduled to be released on Jan. 17, 2025. Silo is based on Hugh Howey's book trilogy which tells the stories of the inhabitants of a giant silo in a post-apocalyptic world. The series has an incredible cast, including Rebecca Ferguson, Rashida Jones, Common, Tim Robbins, Steven Zahn, Avi Nash, Alexandra Riley, David Oyelowo, and more. There's no doubt that Silo will be renewed for a third season, which could be the show's last. It all just depends on what Apple TV+ wants to do with the series from Graham Yost. It won't be canceled, not with these viewership numbers. Slow Horses Season 4 premiere date: Sept. 4, 2024 Slow Horses is the best thriller series, and it has multiple seasons on Apple TV+. If you're into spy shows or political thrillers, this is definitely the show for you. Slow Horses season 4 premiered this fall on the streaming service. The series is based on Mick Herron's Slough House book series. Each season is basically one of Herron's books, of which there are nine! So if you like the series, you should give the books a read, too. Gary Oldman stars as Jackson Lamb, the leader of Slough House, which is basically the misfits of MI6 and MI5 who can't ever work again in actual government positions because of many issues. But, the Slow Horses, as they are know, often have a way of finding themselves in the middle of trouble while assisting with major crimes. Slow Horses is already renewed for season 5 and 6 on Apple TV+. I wouldn't be surprised if we see even more! Bad Sisters Season 2 premiere date: Nov. 13, 2024 Of all the Apple TV+ comedies, Bad Sisters is my favorite! If you like dark comedy with an Irish twist, this is absolutely the show for you to watch right now. Created by Sharon Horgan, Brett Baer, and Dave Finkle, Bad Sisters tells the story of five sisters, the Garveys, who come together to cover up the death of one of their husbands. The series has an incredible cast led by Horgan, Liv Hewson, Anne-Marie Duff, Eva Birthistle, Sarah Greene, and Brian Greene. Bad Sisters isn't just funny. It's actually very moving for a show like this, but it works so well. You're going to love this cast if you give it a chance. Bad Sisters season 2 just premiered on Apple TV+ on Nov. 13. Like Shrinking, the finale of Bad Sisters season 2 will be released on Christmas Day. Now, we just have to hope this great series gets renewed for season 3. Pachinko Season 2 premiere date: Aug. 23, 2024 I truly believe that Pachinko is the best show on TV that you aren't watching. And, it's such a bummer because this is easily one of the best dramas on TV. Based on the book of the same name by Min Jin Lee, Pachinko tells the story of a family spanning generations as they left Korea and moved to Japan. The series premiered on Apple TV+ in March 2022. The second season finally premiered on Apple TV+ this summer after more than two years between seasons. The show is continuing to get better into the second season. The series features some of the best performances on TV. If you're not watching Pachinko, this is the show for you! Dark Matter Premiere date: May 8, 2024 If you missed Dark Matter earlier this year, there's still time to watch it before 2024 ends. This is on the short list of best new shows that premiered this year. I have a feeling this show is going to get very popular over its multi-season run on Apple TV+. Blake Crouch created the series, which is based on the book he wrote. Dark Matter tells the story of Jason Dessen, played by Joel Edgerton, who is a physicist who accidentally creates a second timeline of his own life. He tries to put the pieces of his old life back together. If you like sci-fi shows, especially ones with a lot of twists and turns, this is the show you should be watching right now. Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga, Dayo Okeniyi, Oakes Fegley, and Jimmi Simpson star alongside Edgerton in the series. Dark Matter season 2 is already in the works! We'll share more updates about the new season as we find out. Masters of the Air Premiere date: Jan. 26, 2024 Masters of the Air is the last show on the list! I had to include one limited series, and this one feels right. At the time it premiered, Masters of the Air was actually the most-watched Apple TV+ original series, which is wild considering how popular Ted Lasso and some of the other good Apple TV+ shows have become. And, it makes sense why this show was so popular right out of the gate. Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Barry Keoghan, and Anthony Boyle star in the series from John Shiban and John Orloff. Masters of the Air is based on the true story of the 100th Bomber Group during World War II. Their stories make up the book, and the series is also based on Masters of the Air by Donald L. Miller. The series is also the sequel to Band of Brothers and The Pacific, as well. The series follows those responsible for bombing the German army during World War II. If you like war shows, Masters of the Air on Apple TV+ is a must-watch! Other good Apple TV+ shows from 2024: Criminal Record, Bad Monkey, Sugar, Sunny, and Manhunt. That's the list of the best Apple TV+ shows of the year. I know I had to leave some great shows off the list. If you don't like the eight shows picked, check out the other five shows I shared on the streaming service right now. Stay tuned for more good Apple TV+ shows coming in 2025!
https://showsnob.com/8-best-apple-tv-shows-of-2024
2024-12-16T05:47:58Z
470 bears killed in annual hunt NEW JERSEY. The harvest rate was 24.1 percent, above the state’s goal of 20 percent. A total of 470 black bears were killed in New Jersey’s annual hunt. The second of the two-part hunt ended Saturday, Dec. 14. From Monday, Dec. 9 through Saturday, 73 bears were killed: 46 in Sussex County, 20 in Warren, three in Morris, three in Passaic and one in Hunterdon, according to figures from the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Fish & Wildlife section. A total of 397 were killed in the first part of the hunt, Oct. 14-19. In Segment A, 192 bears were taken in Sussex, 102 in Warren, 70 in Morris, 23 in Passaic, six in Hunterdon, three in Bergen and one in Somerset. A total of 48, or 24.1 percent, of the bears killed this year had a tag attached to an ear. The tags are used to determine the harvest rate. State officials are aiming for a harvest rate of 20 percent, which they have said is needed to reduce the black bear population. Last year, 493 bears were killed and the harvest rate was 19 percent.
https://www.spartaindependent.com/home/470-bears-killed-in-annual-hunt-MB3939718
2024-12-16T05:47:59Z
The Iranian team secured 560 points and stood in second place behind China that gained 566 points. Iran was followed by North Korea and Colombia that finished third and fourth respectively. The 2024 World Weightlifting Championships were held from December 6-15. Iran’s Ministry of Sport and Youth issued a congratulatory message on Sunday evening over the achievement by the male lifters. The ministry appreciated the medalists as well as technical and management staff that contributed to the victory through their efforts and planning.
https://ifpnews.com/iran-runner-up-2024-world-weightlifting-championships/
2024-12-16T05:47:58Z
AJACCIO: Pope Francis' one-day visit to the French island of Corsica on Sunday, two days before his 88th birthday, will put a dual focus on the Mediterranean, highlighting local traditions of popular piety on the one hand and migrant deaths and wars on the other. The visit to Corsica's capital Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon, will be one of the briefest of his papacy beyond Italy's borders, just about nine hours on the ground, including a 40-minute visit with French President Emmanuel Macron. It is the first papal visit to the island, which Genoa ceded to France in 1768 and is located closer to the Italian mainland than France. Papa Francescu, the pope's name in Corsican, will address more than 400 participants at the Conference on Popular Religiosity in the Mediterranean, organized by the bishop of Ajaccio, Cardinal Francois-Xavier Bustillo. The pope's remarks will include reflections on local religious traditions, especially strongly held in in Corsica, including the cult of the Virgin Mary, known locally as the Madonuccia, which protected the island from the plague in 1656 when it was still under Genoa. "The Mediterranean is the backdrop of this trip, surrounded by situations of crisis and conflict,'' which is expected to be echoed in the pope's address, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said. The pope has often referred to the tragedy of migration, which he has said has turned the Mediterranean into "Europe's largest cemetery.'' After the conference address, he will travel to the 17th-century cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta to meet with clergy, stopping along the way at the statue of the Madonuccia. Francis will celebrate Mass at the Place d'Austerlitz park, where it is said Napoleon played as a child. Around 7,000 faithful are expected. He will meet privately with Macron at the airport before departing for the 50-minute flight back to Rome. The pontiff pointedly did not make the trip to Paris earlier this month for the pomp surrounding the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral following the devastating 2019 fire. The visit to Corsica seems far more suited to Francis' priorities than a grand cathedral reopening, emphasizing the "church of the peripheries." It is Francis' third trip to France, each time avoiding Paris and the protocols that a state visit entails. He visited the port of Marseille in 2023, on an overnight visit to participate in an annual summit of Mediterranean bishops, and went to Strasbourg in 2014 to address the European Parliament and Council of Europe. Corsica is home to more than 340,000 people and has been part of France since 1768. But the island has also seen pro-independence violence and has an influential nationalist movement, and last year Macron proposed granting it limited autonomy.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/pope-francis-to-focus-on-regional-crisis-and-conflict-during-first-papal-visit-to-corsica/articleshow/116334565.cms
2024-12-16T05:47:59Z
SOFTBALL: THE 2025 Port Moresby women’s softball season proper looks promising for Stingerz after they defeated United Sisters, 3-1, in the preseason grand final on Saturday. Stingerz, with the inclusion of mostly newbies pairing up alongside a few experienced hands, managed to hold off a determined Sisters side. Both teams could not score runs in the opening innings right until their respective last turn at batting. Stingerz, with the pitcher-catcher combination of Getrude Simba and Essy Pomahun, had to turn a few deliveries in their favour by disallowing batters to secure base. Sisters also did the same with pitcher Tessa Karai giving her best onslaughts on the mound. Her efforts, backed up with infield efforts of Florence Daple, the Mocke sisters in Georgina and Priscilla, including Helen Gabore, resulted in Stingerz also finding it difficult to secure base. Stingerz escaped the defensive fielding of Sisters and managed to score runs courtesy of Ianna Waiwai, Salome Vailala and Fiona Egen. Waiwai slapped away an outfield hit and secured base and later assisted by Vailala and Egen before Sisters sent the remaining batters back to the dugout. Sister tried their very best towards the remaining stages of the match, but unfortunately, Stingerz had the last laugh, closing in with a quick infield tag out. Stingerz skipper Sherry Moka said with a lot of newbies in the team, the preseason grand final win is an achievement and motivation heading into proper season. “They (debutants) played very well and we are proud of them … most of them did not play the sport since their high school days. I believe every player can do well and they have proven that they can play in the Port Moresby women’s softball competition. “For us (oldies in the team), we are looking forward to giving our best shot for the season proper,” said Moka United Sisters skipper Georgina Mocke said it was all about learning as well with a lot of new players joining the team. The team finish fourth on the preseason ladder but had to work overtime to reach the grand final.
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/stingerz-claim-preseason-title/
2024-12-16T05:47:59Z
Master indoor air-purifying plant care in Africa like a pro Indoor air-purifying plants have become essential companions in African homes for enhancing air quality. These plants do more than just beautify spaces; they actively remove air toxins, promoting healthier living environments. This guide provides crucial tips on caring for these important green allies, ensuring they thrive and continue purifying your indoor air effectively. Selecting the right plants When setting up your indoor garden, make sure to pick plants that are champions at purifying air. Top choices include the spider plant, snake plant, and peace lily. These green warriors are not only great at cleaning the air but are also pretty low-maintenance. They're perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Optimal lighting conditions Knowing the right lighting conditions for your indoor plants is key. Most air-purifying plants need bright, indirect light to grow well. Position them close to a window with plenty of morning sunlight. On the other hand, some like the snake plant are able to handle lower light conditions, so you can place them in various parts of your home. Watering practices One of the biggest mistakes indoor plant lovers make is overwatering. To prevent this, make sure you know how much water each type of plant needs. As a rule of thumb, let the soil dry out between waterings. For most air-purifying plants, watering once a week or once every two weeks (depending on how dry or humid your house is) is enough. Humidity and temperature control Air-purifying plants are usually tropical, so they love a bit of humidity and warmth - just like the conditions in many parts of Africa! Keeping indoor humidity around 40-60% is key to keeping these plants happy. You can use a humidifier or even just place trays of water near radiators to help create the right environment. Fertilization and repotting To make sure your air-purifying plants thrive, it's important to fertilize them regularly during their growing seasons (spring and summer). A balanced liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks should do the trick. Plus, repotting every two years or when roots start poking out at the surface of the pot can give them a growth boost with some fresh soil and extra room for their roots to stretch out.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/master-indoor-air-purifying-plant-care-in-africa-like-a-pro/story
2024-12-16T05:48:00Z
from ARMANDO DOMINGOS in Maputo, Mozambique Mozambique Bureau MAPUTO, (CAJ News) – MAYOTTE, the France overseas department, is reeling from the death of at least 14 people after Tropical Cyclone Chido. Dozens more have been injured while informal settlements have been particularly badly impacted with extensive damage to residential structures. Telecommunications infrastructure has been destroyed. Widespread power outages were ongoing at the time of publication. Sea ferry services are disrupted. “The casualty figure will almost certainly increase as communications are reinstated and rescue operations continue,” said an expert. Koungou, Mamoudzou and Petite-Terre are the worst hit by the storm. Authorities are maintaining a red cyclone alert. Emergency workers and some French senior politicians were due to arrive in Mayotte this week to ascertain the damage and assist in recovery operations in the island of an estimated 331 000 people, located in the northern part of the Mozambique Channel in the Indian Ocean. In Mozambique, the National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) has issued a public advisory warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorm, and strong winds over parts of Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Niassa provinces through at least Tuesday associated with Chido after it made landfall on Sunday (yesterday). Malawi’s Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has issued a severe tropical storm warning. Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Eswatini, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe are forecast to be impacted. – CAJ News
https://www.cajnewsafrica.com/2024/12/16/cyclone-chido-leaves-14-dead-in-mayotte/
2024-12-16T05:47:59Z
Refreshing twists with grape leaves in cooking Grape leaves are a culinary secret weapon! Popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking, they're not only tasty but also super healthy - low in calories and packed with vitamins. This article shares five unexpected ways to use grape leaves in your kitchen, adding a delicious twist to your favorite meals. Grape leaves as natural wrappers Grape leaves act as natural, gluten-free envelopes. Simply soak them in warm water to soften, then pat dry. Place your desired filling (think rice with herbs and spices) in the leaf center. Fold and roll tightly like a secret letter. Savor these wrapped treasures cold or steamed as a snack or appetizer. Adding flavor to salads Finely chopped grape leaves can bring a surprisingly delicious twist to your salads. Their zesty flavor complements grains like quinoa or bulgur wheat, fresh veggies, and a lemony dressing perfectly. Just rinse preserved grape leaves to get rid of extra saltiness, chop them up, and toss them in with your salad fixings. Not only will this add a tasty kick, but grape leaves are also packed with nutrients. Creating unique dips Puree grape leaves into dips for a unique flavor twist that will have your guests guessing. Simply add them to a food processor with ingredients such as yogurt, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, then process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve this unexpected dip with vegetable sticks or pita bread for a delicious twist. Enhancing soups and stews Minced grape leaves can be a flavorful addition to soups and stews. Simply add them during the last few minutes of cooking. Their slight tanginess enhances both meat-based broths and vegetarian alternatives, without overwhelming the flavors of other ingredients. Just remember to add them near the end of cooking to maintain their vibrant color and texture. Homemade grape leaf tea Grape leaves can be easily dehydrated at home using low heat or air-dried until crisp, and then used to make tea—allowing you to directly experience their health benefits in a novel way. Just crumble the dried grape leaves into the boiling water, let it steep for five minutes, and then strain out the solids. The tea is light and a bit tangy, very refreshing and calming.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/refreshing-twists-with-grape-leaves-in-cooking/story
2024-12-16T05:48:02Z
Naloxone: The Life-Saving Antidote in the Opioid Crisis Opioids, central nervous system depressants, are widely used and pose a significant overdose risk. Naloxone, a life-saving antidote, rapidly reverses opioid effects, preventing overdose deaths. Australia’s take-home naloxone program has dispensed over 450,000 doses since 2022, emphasizing its accessibility and importance in communities. - Country: - Australia Opioids, a class of central nervous system depressants, are among the world’s most widely used drugs, posing a substantial risk of overdose. These substances, including heroin, morphine, and synthetic derivatives like fentanyl, slow brain activity and relax muscles. Naloxone, a highly effective antidote, swiftly reverses opioid effects by binding to brain receptors, restoring normal respiration. Available in injection and nasal spray forms, naloxone's ease of use has been a game-changer in overdose interventions. Australia's program, which commenced in 2022, has dispensed over 450,000 naloxone doses, underscoring community accessibility. Experts emphasize the critical need for those at risk of opioid overdose, and their communities, to have naloxone at hand. Despite its short duration of action compared to some opioids, naloxone can be life-saving if administered promptly, highlighting its pivotal role in addressing the opioid crisis. (With inputs from agencies.) ALSO READ Shin Jiyai Claims Second Australian Open Title in Dramatic Finish Australia Prepares for Adelaide Test Amid Rain Disruption Johnston & Shin Dominate Australian Open in Thrilling Double Victory The Future of Australia's Dual Gender Golf Open: A Balancing Act Ryggs Johnston and Jiyai Shin Shine at the Australian Open
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/health/3195407-naloxone-the-life-saving-antidote-in-the-opioid-crisis
2024-12-16T05:48:02Z
New snow tubing center opens VERNON. This is one of the earliest starts for tubing at Mountain Creek. Mountain Creek Resort’s new tubing center opened Saturday, Dec. 14. Located at the resort’s Cobblestone Village, the tubing center will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15. Tickets are $39.99 for a two-hour session. Advanced reservations are required. Make reservations online at mountaincreek.com/activities-events/snowtubing/ Seven lanes, each measuring 500 feet, will be open. Guests may take a single or tandem tube, ride the magic carpet lift to the top of the hill, then sit down and enjoy the ride. With more snow, the tubing center will expand to accommodate more lanes and guests. Usual operating hours will begin next week. “We’re thrilled to welcome guests back this Saturday for what’s one of the earliest starts ever for tubing here at Mountain Creek,” said general manager Evan Kovach. “Mother Nature has been quite kind, and we’ve been able to produce enough snow at the tubing center to have several lanes shaped and groomed. “Whether it’s families looking for a fun morning or afternoon activity, groups, or even adults looking for date night ideas, tubing is open for all.” Riders must be at least 42 inches tall to ride alone; those between 36 inches and 42 inches are required to ride in a tandem tube or chain link with a responsible adult. Lap riding is not permitted. Parking for the tubing center is available in the Vernon general parking lot. Appropriate winter gear, including proper outerwear, socks and boots, is highly recommended. Ski boots are not permitted. Ski slopes The ski slopes at Mountain Creek opened Saturday, Dec. 7. That was one of the earliest starts to the winter season in years for the resort, which has a new, state-of-the-art, $5 million fully automated snow-making system. This weekend, Vernon Peak will be open from noon to 9 p.m. and South Peak from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. On Saturday and Sunday, Vernon Peak and South Peak both will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mountain Creek will be closed Monday, Dec. 16 and Tuesday, Dec. 17. On Wednesday, Dec. 18, usual operating hours will resume for the rest of the season. Mountain Creek offers more than 167 acres of winter trails with a variety of terrain, suitable for every ability level. It has four mountain peaks, nine lifts and three dedicated terrain parks. For information, go online to mountaincreek.com/skiing-riding/mountain-report/snow-overview/
https://www.spartaindependent.com/home/new-snow-tubing-center-opens-NE3987906
2024-12-16T05:48:05Z
Dune: Prophecy episode 5 review: Tula makes a shocking discovery that could test her loyalty to Valya By Dom Riley Things heat up in episode five of Dune: Prophecy as the emperor makes a move to consolidate his fragile position. After unleashing Desmond Hart in the previous episode and revealing his power to the council, Javicco now makes his move to try and solidify his place as emperor, creating a new regiment of elite soldiers that looks to be the forerunner of the legendary Sardaukar that play a big part in the movies. These troops are led by Hart, who immediately starts tracking down and threats to the emperor. He's given some intel by Hanno, who's working on Valya's behalf and points him in the direction of the nightclub where the rebels meet. At the same time, Constantine's mother Francesca returns to Salusa Secundus on Valya's orders and starts to make some moves to put her son into a position of power within the Imperium. She wants him to be commander of the new fleet of fighters. This becomes a reality when Constantine finds evidence of Kieran's plot to assassinate the emperor, allowing him to earn the respect and trust from his father that he needs. While all of this is an interesting new development, it does highlight one of the biggest problems with this show, which is how everything happens so fast, without any setup. The fact that we get Francesca's introduction, her plans for Constantine, her manipulation of Javicco, and a resolution to it all in just one sixty-minute episode, despite it never being raised as a major plot point before, does come off as very convenient. Of course, some of this can be blamed on the fact the series is only six episodes long when ten or twelve would have given the story more breathing space. Even so, it does seem like it's rushing to get to the finale, cramming all the pieces onto the board at the last minute, whether they fit or not. This cuts out the kind of long-term scheming and political intrigue that a show like this relies on to really fly. Aside from this, the other major point of this episode is Lila being possessed by Mother Raquella after she almost dies while going through the Agony. I don't know if anything will come of this, or if it's just a way for the Sisterhood to get more information on the threat they are facing that killed Kasha. Lila seemed to be fine at the end of the episode, so maybe she's fully recovered now. The revelation that Desmond Hart is apparently Tula's son, and not only that, he's both Harkonnen and Atreides, which is a powerful combination. It sets up another level of conflict, as Tula won't be willing to do whatever is necessary to defeat him, not after the way she acted over Lila. So will she turn against Valya if need be? I'm sure time will tell, but there's not much of that left, with just a single episode remaining to wrap up all these disparate threads in a satisfying way.
https://showsnob.com/dune-prophecy-episode-5-review
2024-12-16T05:48:05Z
Donald Trump Jr and his new girlfriend, Bettina Anderson, made their Mar-a-Lago debut Wednesday night — and they didn’t just turn heads. They were even greeted by Donald Trump himself, as reported by the Page Six. The popular couple, who recently went public with their relationship, made waves at Trump’s private Palm Beach club just a day after reports confirmed Don Jr’s split from fiancée Kimberly Guilfoyle, who is now the US ambassador to Greece. At Mar-a-Lago, Don Jr, 46, and Anderson, 38, were spotted mingling with the elite crowd. “They paraded their love for all to see,” said an insider, adding that “they’re clearly in love but stayed discreet.” Donald Trump, before departing in his convoy of black SUVs and motorcycles, greeted the couple, sealing their presence with his stamp of approval. “He saw them just before heading to NYC to ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange,” a source shared as per the report by Page Six. The duo didn’t shy away from mingling in the buffet line, where they shared laughs and whispered to each other. The ritzy crowd reportedly described Anderson as a “Palm Beach goddess from the ’50s,” while Don Jr. charmed with jokes about desserts. “Anything with fried dough is for me!” he quipped while recommending mini-donuts with ice cream. Anderson, whose parents are prominent Palm Beach socialites, has been called a perfect match for Don Jr “She’s connected locally in ways none of the Trumps are,” said a source. Earlier in the day, she attended a charity event at the Veronica Beard store, further solidifying her presence in Palm Beach society. Paparazzi caught the couple dining at Buccan earlier this week, holding hands and stealing kisses. “They were so into each other, they didn’t notice the cameras,” said an onlooker. As Don Jr and Anderson’s romance continues to heat up, insiders say it’s already a “natural fit” for the Trump inner circle. “Everyone is happy for them!”
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/donald-jr-and-new-flame-bettina-anderson-get-presidential-welcome-at-mar-a-lago-did-trump-give-his-blessings/articleshow/116310698.cms
2024-12-16T05:48:05Z
Researchers have found that tuna spawn within the boundaries of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, suggesting that the secured area potentially provides protection for tuna during key life stages. “This finding is in line with past research on tropical tuna larvae and spawning activity, which are widely distributed in the Pacific Ocean and have been previously observed within other large-scale marine protected areas,” states a report based on the research project led by the Palau International Coral Reef Centre. The study highlights the importance of research in large-scale marine-protected areas and aimed to develop a useful platform to conduct large-scale ocean research within small-islands-large-ocean states. PICRC researchers began the project in 2022, using plankton nets to look at the top 50 meters in the protected area. Photo courtesy of PICRC “This platform can support the ever-increasing demand for offshore research in small island, large ocean states with limited resources and expertise,” said Dr Louw Claassens, first author and former PICRC researcher. Palau’s marine sanctuary is an offshore large-scale marine protected area covering almost 500,000km of its exclusive economic zone. Established in 2015 and fully implemented in January 2020, the marine sanctuary closed 80 percent of Palau’s exclusive economic zone to any extractive activities, with the remaining 20 percent open to commercial longline and free-school purse seine fishing as well as community artisanal fishing. The marine sanctuary was established to protect against the overexploitation of important fishery species such as tunas to support and promote the development of a domestic pelagic fishery as well as a cultural aspiration to protect pelagic resources for Palauans. PICRC said researchers began the project in 2022, using plankton nets to look at the top 50 meters in the protected area. The nets were towed across different sites at night to investigate the diversity, abundance and distribution of tuna larvae. “Twenty-two tuna larvae were collected from five of the sites and modeling results suggest that the larvae originated at these sites. The researchers have also analyzed the gonads of sampled tunas collected by the Belau Offshore Fisheries Inc.,” PICRC said. Most of the tuna were found to be mature, with three of the 59 sampled fish actively spawning. “The findings suggest that tuna spawn, to some extent, within the PNMS, and the PNMS provides local protection to tuna populations during this time,” the reef centre said. “Using this research project as an example, the researchers then designed a platform with five steps for developing, undertaking and understanding offshore research in small-island-large-ocean states, like Palau, which includes advice on challenges and tips,” the reef centre said. Large-scale marine protected areas larger than 100,000 km2 or 150,000 km2 are increasingly used to provide ocean protection across vast seascapes. Researchers said large-scale ocean protection may support species conservation by encompassing entire species’ home ranges and ecosystems as well as removing or limiting direct human impacts, which in turn can support increased resilience against impacts such as climate change PICRC said large-scale sanctuaries have increased in popularity in recent years and are considered by some to be the most practical solution in achieving 30 percent ocean conservation and management by 2030….PACNEWS/PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES
https://www.postcourier.com.pg/study-palaus-marine-sanctuary-protects-tuna-during-spawning-period/
2024-12-16T05:48:05Z
The system, named “Roeh-Yoreh” (“See-Fires”), is an advanced weaponry structure developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It includes a tower with sophisticated surveillance equipment and a remote-controlled lethal fire mechanism. Since its introduction into the Israeli military arsenal in 2008, the system has been exclusively used in Gaza, where it was deployed along the security fence to target Palestinians approaching the barrier. According to Army Radio, the move to use the system in the West Bank comes despite its limited effectiveness in repelling the Hamas-led 7 October attacks out of Gaza. In the early hours of the attack, Hamas used drones to hit the tower-mounted weapons, disabling them with ease and allowing fighters to cross the boundary into Israel. The Israeli military plans to deploy dozens of Roeh-Yoreh systems in strategic locations across the West Bank, including settlement entrances and key control points, according to the report. The goal, it added, was to prevent armed attacks and infiltrations into illegal Israeli settlements. The manufacturing of these systems for the West Bank has already begun. Initially, they will be installed at high-risk locations by the Israeli military, with plans to expand deployment to additional sites. According to the report, the 636 Reconnaissance Unit of the West Bank Division will operate the systems, amid rising Israeli concerns about growing security threats in the territory. Around 700,000 Israeli settlers live in roughly 300 illegal settlements in the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem, which have been constructed since they were captured by Israel in the 1967 war. Under international law, settlement construction in an occupied territory is illegal. Since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October last year, violence by the army and settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank has skyrocketed. At least 800 Palestinians from the West Bank have been killed by Israeli fire since the war began, with around 6,500 more wounded, according to Palestinian health officials.
https://ifpnews.com/israel-automated-weapons-west-bank/
2024-12-16T05:48:05Z
Ariana Grande might be laying low in 2025 with her touring activities, per agency Republic Records. On December 15, a fan account dedicated to the singer's world tours uploaded a photo showing a page from ticketing platform Ticketmaster. The author of the account shared that the platform was currently displaying a total of 15 scheduled events registered to Grande. "Ticketmaster is currently showing 15 upcoming events registered to Ariana," It stated. "Previously, it has shown 0 events." The tweet eventually caught the attention of Republic Records, which released a brief statement on X (formerly) to clarify the confusion. According to the agency, Grande will not hold a tour in 2025, but the singer is still grateful for the love and support she receives from her fans. Republic Records confirmed, "There are no plans for a tour next year, but Ariana remains deeply appreciative of her fans and all their continued love, support and excitement." Fans are well aware of how much Grande devoted her time to acting this 2024. The "Focus" singer was preoccupied with her work on the musical fantasy film Wicked, which garnered rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Though it remains unclear what's in store for Grande music-wise due to her promotions for the movie, fans are still grateful for the content she has given them this year. They also thanked Republic Records for the clarification, while others poked fun at the announcement. "Actually, I'm so happy that now I have more time to save money," one netizen said. "Also, thank you for this clarification." One fan joked, "Well, I was broke anyway." A third one speculated, "They just want it to be a surprise. Chill out." © 2024 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
https://www.musictimes.com/articles/106981/20241215/ariana-grande-wont-touring-2025-according-republic-records.htm
2024-12-16T05:48:06Z
wrestling / Video Reviews Universal Wrestling Federation (9.6.1986) Review -Originally aired September 6, 1986. -Your hosts are JR and Michael Hayes, and JR kicks things off by announcing the UWF now airs on KCOP in Los Angeles. Hands over your hearts, game show fans. KCOP was the station that saved Jeopardy! when KCBS dropped it with no warning in 1984, and without that, the show might not have gotten a season 2. -Also, this is a small thing all things considered, but we’re in September now, and when JR reads this week’s lineup from the folder in his hands…the folder STILL has the Mid-South name and logo on it. That’s a day #1 change when you overhaul a company. RICK STEINER (with Eddie Gilbert) vs. GARY YOUNG -The commentators hype that referee Ron West has joined the UWF after years of officiating for other organizations. Shots fired, Crockett. -Young gets off to a really strong start before getting mowed down with a clothesline. Steiner tries to finish it, but Eddie tells him not to pin the pan. So what follows is Steiner doing a single offensive move, going for the pin, Eddie tells him no, repeat, and Rick seems puzzled that Eddie won’t let him finish the match. -Steiner goes for the kill AGAIN with a second rope fistdrop but misses. That looks like a fatal mistake, but Young gets distracted by Eddie Gilbert and goes after him, and Steiner recovers and puts Young away with a belly-to-belly. JACK VICTORY & HOLLYWOOD JOHN TATUM (with Missy Hyatt) vs. JUMPIN’ JOE SAVOLDI & JEFF GAYLORD -Savoldi surprises everyone with rapid fire punches to Victory. Tatum tags in and gets the arm wrung until he punches free. They double-team Savoldi, who makes his own comeback instead of tagging out, and pays for it when he finally goes for the tag and both opponents block it. -Gaylord finally gets in there and we have a pier sixer. Gaylord gets a two-count in the fracas and Tommy Gilbert is suspiciously distracted by Savoldi while Victory and Tatum gang up on Gaylord, getting the win with a top-rope clothesline. -Skandar Akbar demands that Jim Ross and Michael Hayes come to the ring because he has something important to say and BOTH of them need to be there for it. -The world-changing news is that he’s signed one half of the Long Riders, Wild Bill Irwin, for singles competition. WILD BILL IRWIN (with Skandar Akbar, One Man Gang, and Savannah Jack) vs. JEFF RAITZ -Irwin comes to the ring and beats up Raitz while Akbar is still singing his praises. Gutwrench suplex by Irwin, and a big knee. Big boot finishes things for the new guy. -We get a report on the WFIA wrestling fan convention in Houston in August. Bruce Prichard, Ted DiBiase, and Hacksaw Jim Duggan all received special awards for their valuable contributions to the UWF. -We go to the UWF offices where Jim Ross shows off the UWF’s new computer, which processes data like wins and losses while also factoring in the nature of the wins and losses, and individual match stipulations to calculate the ranks for the top ten competitors, and you can also play Number Munchers on it. So here is the first computer-generated UWF Top Ten List. #10. Buddy Roberts #9. Steve Williams #8. Chavo Guerrero #7. Hollywood John Tatum #6. The Missing Link #5. Michael P.S. Hayes #4. Ted DiBiase #3. Hacksaw Jim Duggan #2. One Man Gang #1. Terry Taylor LUMBERJACK MATCH: TED DIBIASE & “Dr. Death” STEVE WILLIAMS vs. FABULOUS FREEBIRDS -Terry Gordy is sitting this one out entirely, and it’s Michael & Buddy working this one. Both Freebirds get knocked to the floor and shoved back in quickly. Referee gets order and it’s Williams vs. Roberts officially. -Press slam by Williams, and Roberts gets tackled through the ropes. Roberts is bleeding hardway somehow and JR is at a loss to explain that. -Hayes tags in and gets bodypressed by DiBiase. He gets knocked to the floor and knocked back in again. Hayes finally gets the ball rolling and bulldogs DiBiase. DiBiase backdrops out of an attempted piledriver and makes the hot tag (you bet it’s a TV match). All four men are in the ring. DiBiase powerslams Hayes, Williams stampedes Roberts. Chaos erupts as Hayes and DiBiase both end up on the floor and assorted brawls erupt among the lumberjacks. Hayes strangles DiBiase with a belt and uses it to crack DiBiase’s entire body like a whip. Referee calls for the bell and we have a DQ. Good match with great heat. -Back from commercial, DiBiase is still getting his bearings and getting to his feet while the babyface lumberjacks surround him for protection. Freebirds suddenly return to the ring, and we have another fight, and that just brings back every lumberjack one by one, and they brawl. And brawl. And brawl. And brawl. And brawl. I have a feeling that there was a huge miscue with match times here because this is five solid minutes. More Trending Stories - Kevin Owens Gives Cody Rhodes A Piledriver After WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, Has Altercation With Triple H - Jesse Ventura Explains His Past Issues With Vince McMahon, McMahon Wanting Control - The Undertaker Shares The Worst Part About Wrestling Training - Rikishi Says Jacob Fatu Asked Gangrel For Permission to Use His Finisher
https://411mania.com/wrestling/universal-wrestling-federation-9-6-1986-review/
2024-12-16T05:48:07Z
Strengthening hip abductors with African flamingo balance drills Strong hip abductors are key to better balance, stability, and overall lower body strength. The African flamingo balance drill is a fun and effective exercise that strengthens these muscles by imitating the iconic flamingo stance. Here are five exercises to strengthen your hip abductors. Do them and you'll soon be balancing like a graceful flamingo, whether you're in Africa or anywhere else! Single leg stand with toe touch The single leg stand with toe touch is a fundamental exercise that primes your body for more complex balance drills. Begin by standing on one leg, emulating a flamingo's posture. Gradually hinge forward at the hips and extend the opposite hand towards your standing foot. Return to the starting position and perform 10 repetitions before switching legs. This exercise not only strengthens the hip abductors but also enhances coordination. Side leg raises Side leg raises are great for strengthening the hip abductors. Lie on one side with your legs stacked and your head resting on your arm or a pillow. Raise your top leg straight up toward the ceiling, then lower it without letting it touch the bottom leg. Complete 15 repetitions, then switch to the other side. For added resistance, you can use ankle weights. Standing hip circles Standing hip circles provide a dynamic exercise for activating and strengthening your hip abductors, and improving mobility. Stand on one leg, raising the other slightly off the ground. Initiate small circles with the raised leg, progressively expanding the circles as you gain stability and comfort with the motion. Perform ten circles in each direction before changing legs. Banded walks Banded walks add resistance to further engage and strengthen your hip abductors. Wrap a resistance band around both legs either just above your knees or at your ankles for increased difficulty. Lower yourself into a slight squat and take small steps to the side while maintaining tension in the band at all times. Walk for 10 steps before switching directions. Flamingo dips Flamingo dips are a challenging exercise that requires and builds significant strength and balance. Stand on one leg like a flamingo, then slowly bend your standing knee to lower into a mini squat. Keep your other leg lifted behind you slightly off the ground (not touching the floor) to really challenge your stability. Extend your knee to return to the starting position. Repeat this exercise eight times, then switch legs.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/strengthening-hip-abductors-with-african-flamingo-balance-drills/story
2024-12-16T05:48:08Z
By Hamilton Mann Much has been said about how to instill integrity into AI-generated content. So far, the focus has been on policing training data or filtering output, but wouldn’t it be better if the AI system itself had its own integrity at its core? Hamilton Mann puts the case. Warren Buffet famously said, “In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.” This principle equally applies to AI systems—because AI systems are not just tools. So-called “tools” are deterministic; they follow a clear path from creation to usage, through degradation and, ultimately, obsolescence. In contrast, AI, especially machine learning systems, is fundamentally different. It does not follow this trajectory, because it is not static; it learns over time through interaction with data. Systems that use techniques like reinforcement learning or deep learning continuously refine themselves based on new input, making them more akin to dynamic entities that continuously evolve. No two AI systems function identically if they are exposed to different data streams or used in varying contexts. This sets AI apart from traditional tools, which have deterministic functions that do not change from within. This indeterministic quality of AI makes it essential to not just be developed, but continuously led effectively and responsibly. As AI systems increasingly take on critical roles across healthcare, education, transportation, finance, and public safety, having these systems only capable of mimicking a form of intelligence, relying on incredible computational energy and without any form of embedded integrity into their design, represents a major failure. While AI can quickly process data, many don’t inherently consider whether their actions are ingrained with the perspective of doing the right thing. They are like the engine and GPS of a car; the engine provides the power to get you anywhere quickly and efficiently, while the GPS intelligently calculates the fastest or most efficient route to your destination. The car can analyze road conditions, traffic, and distances, making real-time decisions to optimize the journey. However, intelligence and energy alone don’t consider whether the chosen path is safe, legal, ethical, moral, or socially acceptable; it just focuses on getting there efficiently, whatever “getting there” means. Some AI systems have taken steps to reduce harmful biases in their responses by training them on diverse datasets and continuously fine-tuning them to avoid producing unethical outputs. However, this is still an ongoing challenge. Even among the best image generation applications powered by GenAI, biases still persist, such as when these tools suggest image modifications that reflect stereotypical or sexist cultural clichés, which can offend certain populations and perpetuate discriminatory biases. Some AI systems have taken steps to reduce harmful biases in their responses by training them on diverse datasets and continuously fine-tuning them to avoid producing unethical outputs. Not to mention the near-perfect execution of imitating a person’s identity traits and characteristics made possible by certain systems, without any verification, prevention, or restriction, leading to what we call deepfakes, and the severe consequences such productions can have on individuals’ reputations, privacy, or safety, as well as broader societal harms such as misinformation, manipulation in politics, and fraud. This is no exception. The Global market for AI-generated deepfakes is expected to reach a value of US$79.1 million by the end of 2024, and it is further anticipated to reach a market value of $1,395.9 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 37.6 per cent. We can assume that an AI system that we use in our daily life has been designed to align with broadly accepted ethical values. However, as its value system is shaped by its training data, it does not necessarily reflect cultural ethical norms. It does not “learn” ethical norms dynamically after deployment in the way a system with integrity might. It is updated periodically by its developers to improve its alignment with ethical values, but it does not adapt autonomously to changing ethical contexts. It lacks the autonomous reinforcement learning system where it could continuously learn and improve its behavior based on ethical intelligence, moral reasoning, and social intelligence without human intervention. While some AI systems can explain certain processes or decisions, many AI systems cannot fully explain the decision-generating process (i.e., how they generate specific responses). Those based on machine learning, and even more so those based on more complex models like deep learning, are often opaque to users and operate as “black boxes.” While these systems may produce accurate results, users, those affected by the systems, and even developers often cannot fully explain how specific decisions or predictions are made. This lack of transparency can lead to several critical issues, particularly when they are used in sensitive areas such as healthcare, criminal justice, or finance. Many AI systems used in daily life often lack the ability to autonomously adapt to evolving ethical contexts. These systems do not necessarily reflect the cultural or ethical norms of the diverse societies in which they operate. As a result, this creates potential misalignment with local values and societal expectations, leading to consequences such as rendering cultural aspects invisible or making ethically questionable decisions. While these AI systems may be periodically updated by developers to improve their alignment with ethical values, they still lack the capability to dynamically learn and adapt to new ethical standards in real time. This static approach to ethical adaptation leaves AI systems vulnerable to ethical lapses in fast-changing environments, especially when they are used in global and culturally diverse settings. Some GenAI systems, such as ChatGPT, are designed to provide useful information, but true Artificial Integrity would involve a higher degree of consistency in ensuring that all information provided is reliable, verifiable with sources, and fully respects copyright of any kind, so as not to infringe on anyone’s intellectual property. Responsibility in AI means nothing less than ensuring that AI systems operate with integrity over intelligence, prioritizing fairness, safeguarding human values, and upholding societal imperatives over raw intelligence. Can AI demonstrate Artificial Integrity? This goes beyond ethical guidelines. It represents a self-regulating quality embedded within the AI system itself. Artificial Integrity is about incorporating ethical principles into AI design to guide its functioning and outcomes, much like how human integrity guides behavior and impact even without external oversight, to mobilize intelligence for good. It fills the critical gap that ethical guidelines alone cannot address by enabling several important shifts: Shifting from inputs to outcomes: - AI ethical guidelines are typically rules, codes, or frameworks established by external entities such as governments, organizations, or oversight bodies. They are often imposed on AI systems from the outside as an input, requiring compliance without being an integral part of the system’s core functioning. - Artificial Integrity is an inherent, self-regulating quality embedded within the AI system itself. Rather than merely following externally imposed rules, an AI with integrity “understands” and automatically incorporates ethical principles into its decision-making processes. This internal compass ensures that the AI acts in line with ethical values even when external oversight is minimal or absent, maximizing the delivery of integrity-led outcomes. Shifting from compliance to core functioning: - AI ethical guidelines focus on compliance and adherence. AI systems might meet these guidelines by following a checklist or performing certain actions when prompted. However, this compliance is often reactive and surface-level, requiring monitoring and enforcement. - Artificial Integrity represents a built-in core function within the AI. It operates proactively and continuously, guiding decisions based on ethical principles without needing to refer to a rule book. It’s similar to how human integrity guides someone to do the right thing even when no one is watching. Shifting from fixed stances to contextual sensitivity: - AI ethical guidelines are often rigid and can struggle to account for nuanced or rapidly changing situations. They are typically designed for broad applicability and might not adapt well to every context an AI system encounters. - Artificial Integrity is adaptable and context-sensitive, allowing AI to apply ethical reasoning dynamically in real-time scenarios. An AI with integrity would weigh the ethical implications of different options in context, making decisions that align with core values rather than rigidly applying rules that may not fully address the situation’s complexity. Shifting from reactive to proactive decision-making: - AI ethical guidelines are often applied reactively, after a potential issue or ethical violation is identified. They are used to correct behavior or prevent repeated errors. However, by the time these guidelines come into play, harm may have already occurred. - Artificial Integrity operates proactively, assessing potential risks and ethical dilemmas before they arise. Instead of merely avoiding punishable actions, an AI with integrity seeks to align every decision with ethical principles from the outset, minimizing the likelihood of harmful outcomes. Shifting from enforcement to autonomy: - AI ethical guidelines require enforcement mechanisms, like audits, regulations, or penalties, to ensure that AI systems adhere to them. The AI doesn’t inherently prioritize these rules. - Artificial Integrity autonomously enforces its ethical standards. It doesn’t require external policing, because its ethical considerations are intrinsic to its decision-making architecture. This kind of system would, for example, refuse to act on commands that violate fundamental ethical principles, even without explicit human intervention. This goes beyond AI guardrails. If we continue our analogy with the car, the role of integrity systems does not just rely on the rules set by humans that others must comply with, such as the traffic code or the law. In the context of a car, internal systems play a role in ensuring safe and responsible operation. Components such as the steering, braking, and stability control systems are designed to maintain the vehicle’s functionality and safety, even when human judgment or conditions falter. These systems don’t operate ethically in a human sense but are built to adhere to predetermined safety principles, ensuring that the car stays within its intended operational boundaries and minimizes risk. In the context of AI, the mechanisms designed to ensure ethical, safe, and trustworthy AI outputs are commonly referred to as guardrails. These mechanisms, while foundational, exhibit limitations that highlight the need for a transformative shift towards an approach grounded in Artificial Integrity. Current guardrails such as content filters, output optimizers, process orchestrators, and governance layers aim to identify, correct, and manage issues in AI outputs while ensuring compliance with ethical standards. Content filters function by detecting offensive, biased, or harmful language, but they often rely on static, predefined rules that fail to adapt to complex or evolving contexts. Output optimizers address errors identified by filters, refining AI-generated responses, yet their reactive nature limits their ability to anticipate problems before they arise. Process orchestrators coordinate iterative interactions between filters and optimizers, ensuring that outputs meet thresholds, but these systems are resource-intensive and prone to delivering suboptimal results if corrections are capped. Governance layers provide oversight and logging, enabling accountability, but they depend heavily on initial ethical frameworks, which can be rigid and prone to bias, particularly in unanticipated scenarios. By focusing on contextual understanding, AI systems with Artificial Integrity can make nuanced decisions that balance ethical considerations with operational goals, avoiding the pitfalls of rigid compliance models. Despite their contributions, these guardrails expose critical gaps in the broader mission to create ethical AI systems. Their reactive design means they address problems only after they occur, rather than preventing them. They lack the contextual awareness necessary to navigate nuanced or situational ethics, which often leads to outputs that are ethically sound in isolation but problematic in context. They rely heavily on static, human-defined standards, which risks perpetuating systemic biases rather than challenging or correcting them. Furthermore, their iterative processes are computationally intensive, raising concerns about energy inefficiency and scalability in real-world applications. The limitations of these mechanisms point to the need for a new paradigm that embeds integrity-led reasoning into the core of AI systems. Artificial Integrity represents this shift by moving beyond the rule-based constraints of guardrails or the static-based constraints of ethical guidelines to systems capable of proactive ethical reasoning, contextual awareness, and dynamic adaptation to evolving societal norms. Unlike existing AI systems, Artificial Integrity allows AI to anticipate ethical dilemmas and adapt its outputs to align with human values, even in complex or unforeseen situations. By focusing on contextual understanding, AI systems with Artificial Integrity can make nuanced decisions that balance ethical considerations with operational goals, avoiding the pitfalls of rigid compliance models. Artificial Integrity also addresses the pervasive issue of bias by enabling systems to self-evaluate and refine their ethical frameworks based on continuous learning. This adaptability ensures that AI systems remain aligned with diverse user needs and societal expectations rather than reinforcing pre-existing inequalities. By embedding these safeguards into the AI’s core logic, Artificial Integrity eliminates the inefficiencies of iterative guardrail processes, delivering outputs that are ethically sound and resource-efficient in real time. The transition from guardrails and ethical guidelines to Artificial Integrity is not just an operational enhancement but a new AI frontier. While current guardrails and ethical guidelines approaches provide essential protections, they fall short in addressing the complexities of AI’s societal impact. Artificial Integrity bridges this gap, creating systems that are not only intelligent but also inherently integrity-driven in alignment with human values. This evolution is crucial to ensuring that AI systems contribute positively to society, reflecting the principles of fairness, accountability, and long-term ethical, moral, and social responsibility. Without integrity embedded at the core, the risks and externalities posed by unchecked machine intelligence make them unsustainable, and render society even more vulnerable, even though they also bring positive aspects that coexist. Integrity in AI is like the steering and braking systems of a car, which ensure that the vehicle, no matter its power, stays on the right path and avoids harmful, dangerous, or illegal situations. While computational intelligence might suggest taking a shortcut down a one-way street to save time, integrity ensures that the AI follows the rules, just as a car must follow the rules of the road, and prioritizes safety over efficiency. Integrity would keep the car from speeding through red lights or driving recklessly, even if it’s the fastest way. Integrity would ensure that the system makes ethical decisions, even if they are less efficient or less profitable, prioritizing fairness, safety, and the well-being of those affected. The question is not how intelligent AI can become, whether it involves calls for super artificial intelligence or artificial general intelligence. No amount of intelligence can replace integrity. The question is how we can ensure that AI exhibits Artificial Integrity—a built-in capacity to function with ethical intelligence, moral intelligence, and social intelligence, aligned with human values and guided by principles that prioritize fairness, safety, and societal considerations. In so doing, it exhibits a context-sensitive reasoning, both ex-ante (proactively) and ex-post (reflectively) as it learns from real-world interactions, ensuring that its outputs and outcomes are integrity-led first, and intelligent second. This means that integrity-led steering mechanisms should be part of the code, the training processes, and the overall architecture of the AI, not just ethical guidelines on paper, websites, or in committee discussions. In this way, they become intrinsic to the functioning of the AI, rather than being applied separately or retroactively. Without the capability to exhibit a form of integrity, AI would become a force whose evolution is inversely proportional to its necessary adherence to values and its crucial regard for human agency and well-being. Just as it is not sheer engine power that grants autonomy to a car, nor to a plane, so it is not the mere increase of artificial intelligence that will guide the progress of AI that we need in order to foster a better future in society. Why should organizations care? Companies have long recognized that brand reputation and customer loyalty depend on an uncompromising integrity-driven social proof as a do-or-die imperative. The entire history of business is filled with examples of integrity lapses that led “Achilles-type” companies to collapse, such as Enron, Lehman Brothers, WorldCom, Arthur Andersen, and, more recently, WeWork, Theranos, and FTX. Yet, as businesses integrate AI into their operations, from customer service to marketing and decision-making, all eyes are fixed on the promise of productivity and efficiency gains, and many overlook a critical factor: the integrity of their AI systems’ outcomes. What could be more irresponsible? Without this, companies face considerable risks, from regulatory scrutiny to legal repercussions, to brand reputation erosion, to potential collapse. The rule in business has always been performance, but performance achieved at the cost of amoral behavior is neither profitable nor sustainable. The excitement and rush toward AI is no excuse or tolerance for irresponsibility; it’s quite the opposite. Relying on AI only makes responsible sense if the system is built with Artificial Integrity, ensuring it delivers performance while being fundamentally guided by integrity first—especially in outcomes that may, more often than we think, be life-altering. To systematically address the challenges of Artificial Integrity, organizations can adopt a framework structured around three pillars: the Society Values Model, the AI Core Model, and the Human and AI Co-Intelligence Model. Each of these pillars reinforces each other and focuses on different aspects of integrity, from AI conception to real-world application. The Society Values Model revolves around the core values and integrity-led standards that an AI system is expected to uphold. This model demands that organizations start to consider doing the following: - Clearly define integrity principles that align with human rights, societal values, and sector-specific regulations to ensure that the AI’s operation is always responsible, fair, and sustainable. - Consider broader societal impacts, such as energy consumption and environmental sustainability, ensuring that AI systems are designed to operate efficiently and with minimal environmental footprint, while still maintaining integrity-led standards. - Embed these values into AI design by incorporating integrity principles into the AI’s objectives and decision-making logic, ensuring that the system reflects and upholds these values in all its operations while optimizing its behavior in prioritizing value alignment over performance. - Integrate autonomous auditing and self-monitoring mechanisms directly into the AI system, enabling real-time evaluation against integrity-led standards and automated generation of transparent reports that stakeholders can access to assess compliance, integrity, and sustainability. This is about building the “Outer“ perspective of the AI systems. The AI Core Model addresses the design of built-in mechanisms that ensure safety, explicability, and transparency, upholding the accountability of the systems and improving their ability to safeguard against misuse over time. Key components may include: - Implementing robust data governance frameworks that not only ensure data quality but also actively mitigate biases and ensure fairness across all training and operational phases of the AI system. - Designing explainable and interpretable AI models that allow stakeholders, both technical and non-technical, to understand the AI’s decision-making process, increasing trust and transparency. - Establishing built-in safety mechanisms that actively prevent harmful use or misuse, such as the generation of unsafe content, unethical decisions, or bias amplification. These mechanisms should operate autonomously, detecting potential risks and blocking harmful outputs in real time. - Creating adaptive learning frameworks where the AI is regularly retrained and updated to accommodate new data, address emerging integrity concerns, and continuously correct any biases or errors with regard to the value model that may occur over time. This is about building the “Inner“ perspective of the AI systems. The Human and AI Co-Intelligence Model emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between humans and AI, highlighting the need of AI systems to function considering the balance between “Human Value Added” and “AI Value Added”, where the synergy between human and technology redefines the core design of our society, while preserving societal integrity. They would be able to function considering four distinct operating modes: Marginal Mode In the context of Artificial Integrity, Marginal Mode refers to situations where neither human input nor AI involvement adds meaningful value. These are tasks or processes that have become obsolete, overly routine, or inefficient to the point where they no longer contribute positively to an organization’s or society’s goals. In this mode, the priority is not about using AI to enhance human capabilities, but about identifying areas where both human and AI involvement has become useless. One of the key roles of Artificial Integrity in Marginal Mode is the proactive detection of signals indicating when a process or task no longer contributes to the organization. For example, if a customer support system’s workload drastically decreases due to automation or improved self-service options, AI could recognize the diminishing need for human involvement in that area, helping the organization to take action to prepare the workforce for more value-driven work. AI-First Mode Here, AI’s strength in processing vast amounts of data with speed and accuracy takes precedence to the human contribution. Artificial Integrity would ensure that, even in these AI-dominated processes, integrity-led standards like fairness and cultural context are embedded. When Artificial Integrity prevails, an AI system that analyzes patient data to identify health trends would be able to explain how it arrives at its conclusions (e.g., a recommendation for early cancer screening), ensuring transparency. The system would also be designed to avoid bias—for example, by ensuring that the model considers diverse populations, ensuring that conclusions drawn from predominantly one demographic group don’t lead to biased or unreliable medical advice. Human-First Mode This mode prioritizes human cognitive and emotional intelligence, with AI serving in a supportive role to assist human decision-making. Artificial Integrity ensures that AI systems here are designed to complement human judgment without overriding it, protecting humans from any form of interference with the healthy functioning of their cognition, such as avoiding influences that exploit vulnerabilities in our brain’s reward system, which can lead to addiction. In legal settings, AI can assist judges by analyzing previous case law, but should not replace a judge’s moral and ethical reasoning. The AI system would need to ensure explainability, by showing how it arrived at its conclusions while adhering to cultural context and values that apply differently across regions or legal systems, while ensuring that human agency is not compromised regarding the decisions being made. Fusion Mode This is the mode where Artificial Integrity involves a synergy between human intelligence and AI capabilities, combining the best of both worlds. In autonomous vehicles operating in Fusion Mode, AI would manage a vehicle’s operations, such as speed, navigation, and obstacle avoidance, while human oversight, potentially through emerging technologies like brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) would offer real-time input on complex ethical dilemmas. For instance, in unavoidable crash situations, a BCI could enable direct communication between the human brain and AI, allowing ethical decision-making to occur in real time, blending AI’s precision with human moral reasoning. These kinds of advanced integrations between human and machine will require Artificial Integrity at its highest level of maturity. Artificial Integrity would ensure not only technical excellence but also ethical, moral, and social soundness, guarding against the potential exploitation or manipulation of neural data and prioritizing the preservation of human safety, autonomy, and agency. Finally, Artificial Integrity systems would be able to perform in each mode, while transitioning from one mode to another, depending on the situation, the need, and the context in which they operate. Considering the Marginal Mode (where limited AI contribution and human intelligence is required—think of it as “less is more”), AI-First Mode (where AI takes precedence over human intelligence), Human-First Mode (where human intelligence takes precedence over AI), and Fusion Mode (where a synergy between human intelligence and AI is required), the model Human and AI Co-Intelligence ensures that: - Human oversight remains central in all critical decision-making processes, with AI serving to complement human intelligence rather than replace it, especially in areas where ethical judgment and accountability are paramount. - AI usage promotes responsible and integrity-driven behavior, ensuring that its deployment is aligned with both organizational and societal values, fostering an environment where AI systems contribute positively without causing harm. - AI usage establishes continuous feedback loops between human insights and AI learning, where these inform each other’s development. Human feedback enhances AI’s integrity-driven intelligence, while AI’s data-driven insights help refine human decision-making, leading to mutual improvement in performance and integrity-led outcomes. - AI systems are able to perform in each mode, while transitioning from one mode to another, depending on the situation, the need, and the context in which they operate. Reinforced by the cohesive functioning of the two previous models, the Human and AI Co-Intelligence Model reflects the “Inter“ relations, dependencies, mediation, and connectedness between humans and AI systems. This is the aim of Artificial Integrity. Systems designed with this purpose will embody Artificial Integrity, emphasizing AI’s alignment with human-centered values. This necessitates a holistic approach to AI development and deployment, considering not just AI’s capabilities but its impact on human and societal values. It’s about building AI systems that are not only intelligent but also understand the broader implications of their actions. Such a question is not just a technological one. With the interdisciplinary dimensions it implies, it is one of the most crucial leadership challenges. Ultimately, the difference between intelligent-led and integrity-led machines is simple: the former are designed because we could, while the latter are designed because we should. Concrete applications include: Hiring and recruitment - Case: AI-powered hiring tools risk replicating biases if they are purely data-driven without considering fairness and inclusivity. - Artificial Integrity systems would proactively address potential biases (ex-ante) and evaluate the fairness of its outcomes (ex-post), making fair, inclusive hiring recommendations that respect diversity and equal opportunity values. Ethical product recommendations and consumer protection - Case: E-commerce AI systems often push products based on profit margins or user profiles, potentially promoting unnecessary or harmful items to vulnerable customers. - Artificial Integrity systems would assess the suitability and ethics of recommended products, avoiding manipulation, and considering consumer well-being, particularly for vulnerable demographics. Insurance claims processing risk assessment - Case: AI systems in insurance might prioritize cost-saving measures, potentially denying fair claims or overcharging based on demographic assumptions. - Artificial Integrity systems would consider the fairness of its risk assessments and claims decisions, adjusting for ethical standards and treating clients equitably, with ongoing ex-post analysis of claims outcomes to refine future assessments. Supply chain ethical sourcing and sustainability - Case: AI systems in supply chain management may optimize costs but overlook ethical concerns around sourcing, labor practices, and environmental impact. - Artificial Integrity systems would prioritize suppliers that meet ethical labor standards and environmental sustainability criteria, even if they are not the lowest-cost option. It would conduct ex-ante ethical evaluations of sourcing decisions and track outcomes ex-post to assess long-term sustainability. Content moderation and recommendation algorithms - Case: AI systems on social platforms often prioritize engagement, which can lead to the spread of misinformation or harmful content. - Artificial Integrity systems would prioritize user well-being and community safety over engagement metrics. They would preemptively filter content that could be harmful or misleading (ex-ante) and continually learn from flagged or removed content to improve their ethical filtering (ex-post). Self-harm detection and prevention - Case: AI systems may encounter users expressing signs of distress or crisis, where insensitive or poorly chosen responses could exacerbate the situation. Some users may express thoughts or plans of self-harm in interactions with AI, where a standard system might lack the ability to recognize or appropriately escalate these red flags. - Artificial Integrity systems would be equipped to recognize such red-flag reactions, taking proactive steps to alert human supervisors or direct the user to crisis intervention resources, such as helplines or mental health professionals. Ex-post data reviews would be critical to improve the AI’s sensitivity in recognizing distress cues and responding safely. Intelligence alone can easily stray off course, risking harm or unintended consequences. Artificial Integrity over intelligence has become crucial from the moment AI systems, like Google DeepMind’s AlphaGo, demonstrated capabilities that far exceed human prediction or control. As we stand on the verge of robotic intelligence (RI), the advance of AI systems capable of exhibiting integrity over intelligence is a critical question that will shape the course of human history. Artificial Integrity represents the new AI frontier and a critical path to creating a better future for all.
https://www.europeanbusinessreview.com/artificial-integrity/
2024-12-16T05:48:06Z